Two ***** are
A F I R E,
flames within are further fanned,

WRATH
is breaking free from its leash...

like a BLOB,
spreading quickly on all directions

BLOOD and
MERCURY
are both rising...

the once silent voice
now ROARS,
like THUNDER,
gaining
COURAGE,
gaining
STRENGTH,
THREATENING,
the
PIN
is being lifted...

this
BOMB of RAGE

is about to
EXPLODE

any second now...

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€


Sally

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copy­right 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

A cold sunset wind blew, as i
stared at the old fortune tree,
its dusty, spider-webbed leaves parted a bit,
who knew, i would have a peek of its
resident creature?...woken now,
and ready, to unveil itself....

soon enough, it started circling
front and back of the house,
flinging itself, crashing inside fruit trees,
reveling in the spreading dark of dusk,
flying, like an airborne kamikaze plane,
aiming at its target...resting lizards
and crickets stirred, for,
  it was searching for food...

from the sweetsop tree, it nosedived
into the terrace, then swooshed up
again, driving peaceful candle flames
into restlessness..i wondered...did it
dislike the fire from my row of scented
candles? did i violate its privacy? did i
start it all, when earlier, the bat and i,
...were staring....eye to eye?
:::::::


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
October 31, 2019

It would be nice to face death
while being loved, not broken
:::::
while being held, not alone,
not sinking in a cold silence
:::::
while drowning in laughter
and not in tears,
:::::
while hair, though mostly gray,
still glows with love’s rays.
:::::
while dismissing the grieving
of those we shall be leaving
:::::
nothing could be braver,
it would be easier,
:::::
to accept, to welcome death
while in deep slumber's breath.
:::::
sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
September 11, 2022

autumn is now making us feel its presence
i am aware, time is of the essence
my moments with you are threatened
my moments with you hasten to end

treetops are dotted with yellow, red, green
dropping leaves of brown, orange and gold
to cover the grounds, now made softer
With those fallen leaves of autumn
winds would later hastily blow cold
Warmth now gone, content no longer there....
for,
in your sweet thoughts
i fear I might  be lost....
in your heart, the flames may die.
no longer there, your burning desires.

------------the days to come--------------
-------i will be amongst people, but------
---in that part of my mind, each moment---
-----i would spend in solitude, with you
------------but, this much i know-------------
-------you and me are just a dream------
-------you and me, we are worlds apart------
----------i don't have much choice------------
------------i would be there, BUT-------------
----------you would be nowhere near--------
---------we are blown different ways, like-------
-            ---------fallen leaves of autumn---------          

(...thoughts of us in autumn are getting into me.....)


           Sally
           Copyright 2013
          Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
              
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::­::

A quick passing of a faint sound...reached my ear
A whisper of a whimper
Floated...in the silence of the midnight's atmosphere
Over coffee...i listened harder,
One minute, it was there
The next moment...it was gone

Morning quickly came
But, it just wasn't the same
Before noon was over,
The "weirdly quiet" backyard
Became crazy...with activities...

The whimpering started again....then stopped,
Followed by tiny whining voices
My pet's eyes were so alert...her looks shifting
From one pinkish creature to the other(s)
Like...she was doing the counting, herself...

Last time i looked, there were only three,
But, then...three became five!
Apart from Larry, Curly and Moe
I  need two more names.....
No, wait! I need three more, for
I now see six white, squirming square-faced puppies!

If i had things my way
My backyard would extend further, wider....i'd
have eight dogs, a mix of labradors and retrievers
An all female band...to  roam and guard the place
So that my pet dog, wouldn't have to be
As big and heavy as a pregnant ewe
Never again to suffer....the pain of giving birth to six puppies
Never again to whimper, in the stillness of one dark midnight...


Sally


Copyright April 10, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

)
   (
)


When days are painted with melancholy,
i go back to those late stargazing nights
when our humble bed burst with
toothpaste and ***-scented whispers,
our eyes, focused above...as if we could
see the big and small dipper through our
bedroom ceiling........as if we could see
stars falling...and the ceiling was our sky
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
some nights, we talked about
growing old...afternoon strolls,
and "six feet under" issues, but
never...never the death of love
(who knew that it could die?)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we were two souls fired by goals,
we were two torches defying winds,
even when fate's gusty winds,
blew against our sails...even when
rain doused the fire in our sky
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we were both drunk.....you from
alcohol...i, from hushed brokenness.
many summers and monsoon seasons
sobered us up...until one day came
subtle fires of new dawns
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we stared long at each other
with a shared reluctance,
thinking of
times to come,
with and without each other
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
the sunset sky is now layered with
bronze and orange fires, just like
my own embers, still fighting, still red
with flames that dance with a breeze.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sally b

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
April 2, 2020

(10w x 4)

Open both arms...
RECEIVE
GATHER........EMBRACE
Smile...while
PUSHING   OUTWARDS...


Abruptly, raise arms
Like a VOLCANO,
E X P L O D E !!!
Release....precious ENERGY...


Let the
SPIRIT flow
Keep the
FIRE of LOVE
Burning!!!


Start a HABIT
SHARE YOUR  BLESSINGS
YOUR  ENERGY
YOUR
PASSIONS!!!



Sally

Copyright May 1, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

( 10W x 4)

Poets are dots of fire
in unexpected
dark corners.....found

by those seeking answers,
finding dots of wisdom,
and strength,

bits and pieces of
enlightenment
through the thoughts
we share...

we're amongst fireflies,
poets narrating life...
with subtlety
or candidly...




Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
October 4, 2019

~ ~ ~ A POEM FOR PRADIP ~ ~ ~
(a repost)

In these early hours of evening
when sun has dipped down, hiding
cold has set in, warmth cooled by wind blowing,
your words haunt me, left me pondering.

For a sunshine poem, you asked,
but how? when it is now dusk,
there is no sun,  only dark to show,
not even a moon aglow.

All i see are fiery dots of light, shimmering
in the garden, i am alone, wondering
I do not see them closely
yet, i feel they could be friendly.

They are luminous lanterns, seemingly beaming,
could these suffice to keep your flame burning?

In the widening dark, they bask
to perform their given task
carrying drops of hope with their sparkles,
scattered ***** of chances, radiated by lighted candles.
They are so tiny, collectively bright,
wandering, even on a moonless summer night...

I have not one sunshine poem for you,
instead, thousands of Fireflies, i offer you
to let their light shine  upon your  face
dry every bit of sadness, leaving not a trace.
to dry tears hidden
ease your shoulders laden.

I wish i could see your smile
hug you, even just for a while
wear your sombrero
'til day after tomorrow.


I pray my words have beamed enough,
to save your day, to see you through...


F I R E F L I E S

by

Sally



Copyright  September 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(A POEM FOR PRADIP)


In these early hours of evening
when sun has dipped down, hiding
cold has set in, warmth cooled by wind blowing,
your words haunt me, left me pondering.

For a sunshine poem, you asked,
but how? when it is now dusk,
there is no sun,  only dark to show,
not even a moon aglow.

All i see are fiery dots of light, shimmering
in the garden, i am alone, wondering
I do not see them closely
yet, i feel they could be friendly.

They are luminous lanterns, seemingly beaming,
could these suffice to keep your flame burning?

In the widening dark, they bask
to perform their given task
carrying drops of hope with their sparkles,
scattered ***** of chances, radiated by lighted candles.
They are so tiny, collectively bright,
wandering, even on a moonless summer night...

I have not one sunshine poem for you,
instead, thousands of Fireflies, i offer you
to let their light shine generously on your  face
dry every bit of sadness, leaving not a trace.
to dry tears hidden
ease your shoulders laden.

I wish i could see your smile
hug you, even just for a while
wear your sombrero
'til day after tomorrow.


I pray my words have beamed enough,
to save your day, to see you through...


F I R E F L I E S

by

Sally



Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

After
long
dark
moments,
..............
the
splendor
of first light
..............
overwhelms.

sally b
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    May 27th. 2023

* * * *

My eyes can't possibly roam tonight,
tonight is my night to gaze at the sky,
the sky is decked with milky areas,
milky areas that connive with the clouds.

the clouds, however, can't hide the moon,
the moon, it surely rules this starry night.

this starry night... i am left distraught,
distraught, with labored, strained eyes
strained eyes are unable to wander,
to wander? how? with a limited view?
a limited view of tonight's show of stars,
of stars and moon, with no pouring rain,
no pouring rain on this monsoon night!
::::::::
this monsoon night, a poem is lethargic,
lethargic, floating on spiritless waters.
:::::::::::~~~
it ceases to flow beyond its first line,
its first line...refuses to expand tonight.
::::::::::::::  :::::   ::::::::::   :::::::::
tonight, poem and i will take a break.
::::::::::::::::::::  *    ::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::­:::::::       *      ::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::       *     *       :::::::::::::::
:::::::::::     *     🌕 *  *        ::::::::::::
::::::::           *    *        *         :::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::­::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
(That starry night from years ago, caught
  my eye through a small kitchen window.
  My view of said night was like my poem
  then...limited, uncooperative, stubborn,
  it refused to go beyond its first line.)


sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
  October 31, 2021

(Haiku X 4)

Something sharp's inside
Piercing deeply soft walls of
My throat, chest and heart

Can't swallow...can't move
In this too long a standstill
Punctured by fish bones

Deep inside my flesh
Cut by a stiletto knife
Life's balms can't heal...why?

Even when pulled out,
Mind never forgets the pain
Life's fish bones leave scars...


Sally

Copyright March 2015
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Haikus)


Moss-wrapped rocks are moist
twilight mist showers nature
palms seek warmth from fire

sparks fly........flames, entice,
.....kiss of fire~~~~~eroticize,
.......eyes seem.....hypnotized,

dazzled....and blinded,
heart plays deaf to rules and truths,
.....but...the mind sees through...

wind stirs the fires....flames
flicker.....the dark night lays claim
.....over things......unchanged...

cold wind...hums same song,
same tune wakes dying embers,
...flames..........refuse to die...




Sally
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 30, 2019

<o>

Eyes get weary and blurry
turning dry, sometimes teary.

fleeting specks would appear
on the ipad or desktop,
finger tip wipes them off
the screen, but, just cannot
they slide...glide...and hide,
daring spectacle-free eyes.

it's fun to indulge sometimes
when they go up, down...left to
right...but, when it's time to stop
when you feel you've had enough,
how fast they vanish,
soon as knuckles rub the eyes.

Sally

Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December 20, 2020

:::¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥:::

Easily, another week went by
11:30 pm, another day's end is nigh
gratitude fills my every sigh...
before bedtime, comes introspecting
...... always leaves me wondering :
:::::
did   i strew new seeds of love today?
did i water the growing ones that sway
so they may harden, spread and multiply?
:::::
did flowers of sympathy and understanding
grow within me this day?
did   i ignore someone crying
did i make a sad face  smile? beaming ,
like  those amazing wildflowers along the way?
:::::
there are nights, i could easily fall asleep
then there are nights that leave me in doubt,
my conscience and my thoughts  debate,  keep-
ing me awake....through  yet, another dawn
:::::
a new day, a new chance for my soul... to heed
a small voice ... to give flowers, to plant new seeds.
to  not trample on wildflowers and unwanted weeds...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
March 26, 2019

one quiet, hot summer noon,
all were gathered in the dining area,
having lunch and a pleasant conversation,
while i got my small *****
and started mixing soil for re-potting.

it was clearly a stalking adventure.
a gray stray cat,
furry, but no longer spry,
its rounded back hunched,
slowly crawling, inching,
towards one hidden corner
of the bushy  backyard.

she glanced at me,
saw where she was headed,
i already spotted her prey.


the cat was wary of tripping,
careful not to waste any effort,
for her targeted prey
was just a stretch of a paw away...
almost there... she must be careful,
her intended victim must not know
of her presence,
for she needed that catch:
a small monitor lizard,
greenish, brownish,
sleek, slippery and slim...
unknowing still,
unaware of its impending doom,
for it, too, was busy,
staring... too focused...
it was ready to swallow its own prey,
a small but fleshy, squirming earthworm.


in a flash,
the cat saw me, our eyes met.
she lip-synched a "meow,"
telling me to hush,
not to intervene.
and so i carefully turned to my side
as if i didn't hear or see
as if i didn't care.
i bowed my head and
resumed re-potting my begonias.

just a short while passed,
when a soft purring was heard.
i turned to see the cat, still busy
licking, cleaning her paws.
she glanced, and again
lip-synched her meow,
maybe her way of thanking me.
and then my furry friend was gone,
...lost among the bushes...

i, too, got up...weary, and thirsty.
i've had enough of these stalking adventures,
enough begonias have been re-potted,
an existing food chain, i had just witnessed..
i need my lunch now,
with a tall glass of iced lemonade.


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A, Bayan

in the balcony one late afternoon
i saw a mossed cypress tree, with
curved and drooping branches
a shield from the glaring rays of the sun
at noontime, i realized it was
i sat on the wooden lounge chair
as my mind started reeling
brimming with words and lines
stimulated by the ambiance
provided, surrounded by the
picturesque views....but i
suddenly thought of a distant friend
a good soul, a good friend
i miss Cheryl, my friend
she would have loved to be here
in this seaside village,
for some time off, to mix her colors
paint something from the sea
a touch of Neptune's world, maybe
for her poems to write.....
some fresh air, walks any minute of the day
so worries and fears and uncertainties
may vanish, evaporate
like bubbles dissipate
.....into thin air.....


Sally



Copyright 2013
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

/|\ /|\
/|\ /|\ /|\
/|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\
   """""  
Whether  composed,
ailing...or up and about,
i'm always roaming
in this untouched forest,
where trees are tall with
inspirations...abundantly
blooming with lovely
words and phrases...and,
i always find you there.

i see you peeking, at the start
or, in the middle,
at the end...even between
the lines of a poem.

you're bound to mind
by indestructible ropes
made from vines and roots
of a durable tree...you seem
to be, unthinkably permanent,
not  even Chopin's etudes,
or Schubert's serenade
could unbind you.

you emerge from buckets i fill
with water, or from the ***
where i make meat sauce...you
rise amongst tangled leaves of
the asparagus fern, or the crisp
and fragrant oregano plants.

there, you dwell pensively
within my forest of thoughts
because............because,
you are the poem,
the longest, i ever wrote.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~
~~~~~
sally b


©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 22, 2021

How does it feel to be unimportant?
ignored, like a ***** cracked clay vase,
or an empty soda can, kicked to the wayside,
or, like dark wastelands, where trees, plants,
crops don’t grow, where water doesn’t flow,
they’re like eyes that cry without tears...

the world is aware...but, others refuse to see
people from war-torn places...devastated,
with wounded bodies, minds and feelings,
left in dark despondent halls, forgotten...
it takes long to rebuild structures, and futures;
it takes forever to rebuild crumbled faith and
confidence...begging eyes of orphans, of
the homeless, and the hungry, seek light,
but, they only see a dark horizon...

heavy boats sail in the freezing dark,
striving not to be found...uncertain of
safe sails out, yet, taking chances, facing
risks...for new beginnings...where water
meets shore...better to be gone...forgotten,
like embers, left dying through the night, their
ashes blown to oblivion, by gusty morning winds....

the air is filled with Christmas whispers,
muffled voices, only a few could hear....


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December  2, 2019

(a follow-up)

Those days, I could still recall clearly
When, I did not feel warm hands
That would catch me if I ever fell
When I took my first steps as a baby...
When I had no one to take me to school on my first day
Had to cope with fear through my own childly ways,
I did many other firsts in my life,
On my own,
Without the warmth and caring presence of
My father....

Somehow, a notion came about...
And I reflected long on it...
This is an Epiphany in my late summer years...
Those days I was without him physically,
Were the moments I strongly felt his presence...
He would be---
In front of me
Beside me
Behind me,
All those times, taking care of me
The only way he could:
By invisibly watching over me...
While my mother was at work,
While I was playing,
While in school,
While growing up as a teenager...
When my safety was jeopardized,
He was very much with me...
In my dreams, he would comfort me...
Talk to me, assuage my fears...
Even wanted to take me with him,
To save me...
And yet, he didn't....
He was selfless in his most unseen
But felt ways...

During the darkest, scariest,
Loneliest, and most difficult moments,
I just had to imagine his face,
Then things would turn out okay
For I felt his presence then...

Today, as I reflect on how I got to this age,
How I lived my life without him,
I have realized, those long-running hours,
Were not lost days at all...

I now have found my days with my father,
For, he is  my guardian angel,
He had been, he was, he is,
He will constantly be with me...
All my days,
Here on earth and beyond...

All my days...



Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(my world)

Azure sky domes over clouds of cotton white,
freshly washed clothes on the clothesline,
sway freely to summer winds...sun is bright,
so generous...............it hurts my eyes.

through a rumble of overgrown bushes, i enter,
my hair, nose, fingers, elbows get tangled
in spiders' webs...i step back, leave their corner
freedom is well-guarded...fortified is their world.

in a nearby school, the flag waves with dignity
national anthem plays...its lyrics vow loudly
to preserve precious freedom...faithfully.
school scenes slow me down...but, i hurry

now, home to my own freedom, my world,
my world...a safe bubble, like...a microcosm,
a microcosm long existing...a secret world,
a secret world i frequent when i need to,
when i need to be...alone, creating poetry,
...creating poetry on life's nitty-gritty
...and trivialities...

inside my world, muse eases the tossing,
turning mind...helps shape scenes to a tee,
lets me go rhyming.....or free versing
in couplets, sonnets, a dirge, or a ditty...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
June 11, 2020

A white egret, slowly treads on marshy land...picking food
unafraid, beside a big carabao that munches  grass...

...the tall reeds grow on their own, along riverbanks
........or on wide, unattended, sodden areas
no barbed wires control them from leaning, or sagging
they sway........where the wind goes.

Butterflies, dragonflies, birds
and bees in bright colors, hop on open blossoms
feasting on ripe seeds, nectar, and pollen grains.

and i, am wandering, flying, with these creatures,
perching on top of stalks.....even on carabaos' backs...
i am out there, in the open...swaying with the reeds
while dreams and inspirations spill over.
my mind roams free...no reins, no bounds,
above, and  below....or, even sideways,
i inch, and feel my way
through the breathing,
...and the non-breathing...

i am a poet...i write what i feel...what comes to my mind
i follow rules set before me...though, i have
my own existing rules  inside me...born with me
an innate knowledge of my limitations
as a person, as a parent, as a writer;
what should...and what shouldn't be,
what to reveal...and what to conceal,
how it is to be compassionate...and
how it is to be indifferent.

i am a poet, still hearing my late mother's voice,
emphasizing..."amor propio" and "delicadeza."

an  invisible *** of fresh yellow daffodils,
lives on in my mind...a discretion ingrained in me
a kind of freedom, i opened my eyes to....


Sally

Copyright September 20, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(one Tuesday morning)

Small circles of steam rise
from seething ground shiny beans
soaring just within
touching the glass surfaces
of the french windows,

celebrating mid morning blessings
sun is bright yellow, kindly shining,
simultaneously, it showers
touching...nourishing
hydrangeas, purplish wood sorrels
snake plants, lilies...and my soul.

there's laughing and hurrying to gather
near-dry clothes from the clothesline,
the rush adds fun to the day's delight,
forgetting for a while life's sad plights.

sun and rain, together,
influence my day, my life, my future
there's a small voice i always endure
i listen, though, with some pressure
to possible changes in my future

i ponder, but my eyes are captured
they stray further, as two yellow birds
perch and search for food
upon the sturdy pine tree.

eyes blink on, trying to recapture
earlier thoughts...i see, there are

no more circles of steam
to reflect on....they
have now vanished,
found their way
::::::
out--
::::::
of the
french
windows...
:::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::


sally b
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 24, 2021

(haikus)


Cold night by the swamp,
faint moon hides troubled whirlpools
wind roars...reeds bend low...

not far from swamp glow
owl struts on branch, and hoots on,
dogs howl.......wings flap close

hot fear flickers, this
september's dark friday night,
shadow's drenched with sweat


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    September 7, 2018

Friday Night Symphony


The light shower has stopped tip-tapping
Upon the blue-colored roof of the veranda...
Suddenly, a cloak of darkness prevails...
The moist coolness of the air gives
A refreshing feel this particular evening.
Two frogs are throwing croaks at each other...
One would quickly reply to the other's croaking
Within seconds... it seems
They are engaged in a conversation,
While above us, the roof creaks as
The green-eyed stray cat slowly walks...
By its measured footfalls, it is obvious
It is lurking in the dark,
Carefully waiting for the right moment
To grab its prey,
The one with the careless, scratching
footfalls...

The crickets are having a grand time
Singing their monotonous song...
Across the street stands a big mango tree, where
A gecko is nestled on one of its branches,
Making its night calls repeatedly...
Could this be their mating season? For
This particular night, it calls fervently, scaring
The night vendors selling "balut,"
Or freshly boiled duck eggs,
The home-bound residents hesitate,
More frightened  now,
As they pass through the vacant lot...

All these are happening, while distant stars
Spread glitter over a vast sky
As blue as indigo,
And an ivory crescent moon
Hangs suspended...

My delightful mug of coffee is steaming
While I am stargazing,
To a unique symphony i am listening,
This Friday night of a week ending...
      
        

Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

In a sea of enthusiastic voices,
a dominant voice prevailed,
in an effort to command attention,
he inquired:

"Are you...
a frustrated doctor?
a frustrated lawyer?
a frustrated actor?
a frustrated engineer?

are you...
a frustrated nun?
a frustrated linguist?
or, a frustrated biologist?"

i met the eyes of the speaker;

."simply frustrated,"
was my unuttered reply...


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
January 11, 2020

\|/...\/...\|/...\/...\|/

On this gift of space,
we maintain a garden
where grows many kinds of seeds,
some flourish...some die...some
are stunted...they just don't grow,

we do what we do best
in this garden
we try to be better,
even when on a standstill,
or when snugs pop up
and distract
we stray from focus...but,
try to get back on track
we...........persevere,
and along the way, we inspire,
and enhance others, too,

we're on the clouds when fruits
of our labor are appreciated
for, high up there is a temple
most of us aim to reach
to experience some glory
to taste sweet water
from the fountain of fame,

but, its flow...dries bit by bit,
winds of change blow, to remind,
there are others, too, in the line,
waiting for their share of drink,
we move over...we give way...
but, we don't stop planting
we just lie low, at times, disappear,
then start down there........again,
like a newcomer........persevering,
aiming for the temple.......again,
not as eager as the first time,
but, just savouring
the blissful feeling,
when it comes...
::::::::::::::::


Sally
©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
July 11, 2020

It had been days and nights of rain,
sun shone this morning, and gave
sparkle and luster to tiny drops
on leaves of the Norfolk pine.
shafts of rays revealed
crystals and diamonds
upon layers of green.
what lovely gems,
the sun creates.

Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December 31, 2018

Ghosts

Children's voices from a nearby school
have softened
and slowly faded away...
the streets are cleared: no more school buses,
all gone
for the day...
people, stray dogs and cats are free,
roaming the streets,
having fun in the fading light,
even as the dark spreads...
faster, and
wider...

evening quickly creeps upon us,
the dark descends lazily on our
weary minds and bodies...
it roosts on our self-confidence,
too long at times...filling spaces
between moments of fresh air
and deep sighs...
sending in unwanted thoughts
things we would rather not remember...
but---
dismal light from a lamppost
sneaks in through the windows,
and creates shadows that sway
and dance on the wall...
dormant figures gain consciousness,
dragons unconquered start to waken...
out in the dark they emerge:
blag!  blag!  .blag!  
heavy footfalls bringing tremors,
breathing out red flames,
and start spreading terror...

in the midst of a spacious arena
is where we find ourselves...
vulnerable, stripped of our courage,
hiding.....from these blinding,
fiery and scary scenes...
from earthbound ghosts of a dark past
that cower over us...
it is true, darkness fades with every morning,
it is also true,
ghosts come visit every once in a dark evening...

tonight is dark and quiet,
out here in the cold
and pitch black darkness,
i know they would come,
i could feel this weird coldness,
from a weird ghost of the past...
night of all nights!

i must not fall...

i am not alone in the dark!



i am not alone in the dark...

i am not...


for


warm is your one hand, now under my elbow,
the other, lightly resting on my shoulder...
you came, my dearest.
oh, please, let not your hands learn to
hold another's warm body.

may your eyes never stray from mine,

may your arms never falter,
may they never slide,
may they never
fall,

may you always,
a l w a y s,
hold  me right
never loose, never too tight
just hold me
firmly.






Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A Bayan

For  Cheryl Love


I am on this part of the world
while you are there on the other side
an enormous sea stands between us.
We are both just tiny specks from where we stand...
It is not a high wall that separates us---
but giant waves and scary windstorms,
an ocean of strong currents existing...

And yet, we speak, we think, like
we are just a few minutes drive away...
I feel you're just next door
a matter of three knocks away...
we chat and we laugh cheerfully,
like the day would never end
like the sun would never set...

These physical barriers that separate us
couldn't hinder us from smiling...
Only a few words spoken
would send us laughing...
We see ourselves on skype,
the gleeful sound of our  giggles
is unstoppable and contagious,
for we giggle just about anything...
Our mouths never close,
there is always something to discuss,
something to laugh about...
like the day would never end,
like the sun would never set...

We radiate positive energy,
we vibrate with pleasant thoughts,
dwelling on hopes that
one day we would meet in person...
We shall have long talks,
we shall have long walks,
we shall cook,
we shall make beads,
everything, we shall do together,
we won't run out of things to do together,
like the day would never end,
like the sun would never set...

Though far apart,
the music of our giggles
shall play on and on,
in our hearts,
in our minds,
in our ears....
There is no doubt,
our friendship, our music would live on,
like the day would never end,
like the sun would never set...


Sally


Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

~~~a  repost~~~
(For Cheryl Love)


I am on this part of the world
while you are there on the other side
an enormous sea stands between us.
We are both just tiny specks from where we stand
it is not a high wall that separates us-
but giant waves and scary
windstorms,
an ocean of strong currents existing.

And yet, we speak, we think, like
we are just a few minutes drive away
it's like you're just next door
a matter of three knocks away
we chat and we laugh cheerfully
like the day would never end
like the sun would never set.

These physical barriers that separate us
couldn't hinder us from smiling
Only a few words spoken
would send us laughing
we see ourselves on skype
the gleeful sound of our  giggles
is unstoppable and contagious
for we giggle just about anything
Our mouths never close,
there is always something to discuss
something to laugh about
like the day would never end
like the sun would never set.

We radiate positive energy
we vibrate with pleasant thoughts
dwelling on hopes that
one day we would meet in person.
We shall have long talks
we shall have long walks
we shall cook
we shall make beads
everything...we shall do together
we won't run out of things to do together,
like the day would never end,
like the sun would never set...

Though far apart,
the music of our giggles
shall play on and on
in our hearts
in our minds
in our ears.

There is no doubt,
our friendship, our music would live on
like the day would never end
like the sun would never set.


Sally


Copyright August 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

This is a basic social unit,
That goes through different situations and circumstances
Some, stay together....some do not
Most stick it out...........but, no matter what
At day's end, they exchange views,
Share smiles....tears....and laughter
Over wine...coffee...or tea...

Just like in a classroom, or gatherings
Every voice is heard...ideas, opinions considered
No one is intimidated...or alienated...
Lest they be driven far away
Til they go off...........astray...

Energy emitted
Is like an adhesive
That keeps everyone close by
They go to different places
Yet, to their comforting space,
They return.........they come home,

Where they feel their needs are
Provided
Whether they be
Physical
Emotional
Especially,
Spiritual
Where they learn the value of family

You...me...he...she,
It could be a parent
Or, a grandparent
A sibling, a daughter or a son,
Even grandchildren,
Any member,
Could be the one that makes everyone feel at home
The one that approximates distances
The one that serves as the
G l u e
To hold family together.


Sally


Copyright April 14, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

Ask...and you shall be given answers
seek...and you'll be told where to look
knock...say, hello?...hello? hellooow?
a voice named siri replies:
"is it me you're looking for?"
i think,
the eyes, the mind, even the heart, need
clear, goggle-like glasses, for 20/20 vision,
to grasp, to discern,  be forewarned,
not to be overwhelmed by whatever
data unfolds on the screen

they say, there are contrived solutions,
for life's every complication
search engines are accessible to all
just press specific keys, and, Voila!
surf, play...easy games, easy friends
but, can they really answer all questions?
every human question?.........like,
do elephants really cry? how did it occur
that they have excellent memories?
is Timbuktu modernized now?
are there still surviving cannibals?
will the remaining Bee Gees member,
tell us how to mend a broken heart?
do rosicrucians really possess secret wisdom?
what happened to you and me?
how do i save myself from emotional vampires?
how do i cook pad thai?
...and how do i get you out of my mind?
why does the rooster crow after midnight
how does logarithm work with poetry?
do dogs have souls?  do they visit their
masters?....i miss my dogs Misty and Tiny,
...and i miss you...what's wrong with me?
God, why do i even bother to ask?

my goggled eyes are blinded by grief
my goggled mind refuses to forget
this goggled life of mine feels empty
and it has nothing to do with technology...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    July 23, 2018

....to the solemnity of that place
felt just right...
a noise-prone, peopled space,
.....a corner i, we...go back to,
in the cold, or hot of
every morning

like every meeting,
we look above,
pay our respect,
warm up,
then, a time of peace, flows in, when
a calming moment starts...
breathe... like a baby,
inhale, at the start,
exhale, when finishing,
let go of the rush
let go~~~through movements~~~
in waves so slow~~~~~relax~~~
set free your worries, even for a while
think of peaceful~~~green mountains~~~
look through a nearby stream~~~soothing~~~
with tiny ripples whirling~~~
clear, like a mirror,
showing true reflections~~~while
a gentle breeze passes~~~and touches~~~
to unchain~~~to refresh~~~to dry
...to revive....

all purposes...will have been achieved
...........................before the hour ends...

then...comes the time to leave,
a time, for each one,
.......to face another day,
............another sunrise
             ........another sunset...


Sally

Copyright February 6, 2017
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

___________

It had been many years since I last visited....
I could smell the salt in the cold sea breeze
As it welcomed me and
Blew my hair all over my face.
I gathered my hair in a bun.
Thereupon, I caught sight of my surroundings...
A town, which  used to be a hub,
Has turned into a neglected, dying place,
Now rich with junk cars, old stores,
Abandoned warehouses,
Torn down wooden fences, old houses.....
Everything was old and unkempt,
Walls, broken glass doors and windows
Were marked, spray-painted with all sorts of
Writings, distorted faces, big and small letters,
In all styles, shapes and colors,
Whichever suited the vandals' tastes and moods.

It saddened me, for I knew so well...
This place had seen better days,
I had seen it full of life,
During my childhood days......
Days, when my siblings and I were
Forbidden to go beyond those breakwaters.
Crippled was I by my fear of the waters...still,
I longed to swim far beyond rows of big rocks
Where big ships were anchored, and
Colorful sailboats sailed along.....
Back and forth we ran, from sea to shore,
To see a starfish or  even a jellyfish,
Brought by the waves as they hit the sand.
We were content with knee-deep splashes
In that clear blue water, long ago uncorrupted,
Once so natural and undefiled,
Now, with traces of oil and all kinds of debris
All visible even from afar.....

I leaned on a wall, crestfallen.
I reflected on my life, and how
It paralleled with my hometown.
My heart and my mind
They have marked walls, too,
Wrapped with deception...
Wounded by betrayed trust....
Scarred by past experiences,
Sad and unpleasant ones.
And yet, here I was, standing on my two feet,
In front of this dying place,
Still alive, while my hometown
Had turned into a ghost town.

That moment,
I felt countless eyes staring  at me,
While a strong gust of wind blew,
Almost pushed me away from where I stood.
Like, it was begging me to go......
To leave my hometown alone,
And give my life a second chance....
But live it somewhere else.....

The cold sea breeze, once more
Brushed against my face,
Whispered to my ears
And pressed upon my mind,
Thoughts I had always resisted then.
Something was flowing inside me....
It was starting to fill my soul.

I straightened from where I leaned
And brushed away the dirt from my coat.
It was time to move on, time to go
I untied my long hair,
Let it fall on its own......and
Let it be blown by the wind.

.... Sally....


     Copyright 2013
      Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

On new year's eve, i watched my five
granddaughters having fun on the front
lawn, bright with Christmas lights...their
sparklers, turned into fencing swords.
they took pictures and videos, laughed a lot
while they sang and danced on the grass.

Youthful innocence...being carefree,
are the most wonderful times in our
lives...exploring, discovering truths
about ourselves and people around us,
dreaming, building goals...when love
conquers our young hearts, the waters
in our world, turn crystal clear...every
scene sparkles...is etched in our minds.

Time brings changes...nothing remains
except our memories...but, we can
remember, we can savour our youthful
years...no space for despair...there is
beauty and inspiration found, even in
the most ordinary things and situations,
like, unknown plants suddenly growing
in the garden, bearing colorful flowers,
those shy weeds with leaves that close up
like clams when treaded upon.....and, yes,

there's the lowly grass, freshest of green
in the summer and during the rainy season,
blades are dulled by wetness...humbled
by heavy rainfall, kissing the ground, yet,
how easily they refresh our tired feet,
our world-weary eyes and minds.
my heart leaps as soon as my feet get
to feel their cold, soothing touch.

I look forward to more Christmases and
new year's eves...more fun times with
the girls on the grass...the grass, which
to me, will always be so splendid!
:::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::
(Seeing my five granddaughters having fun on the garden grass
  on new year's eve, reminded me of one of my favorite poems.)

           Splendour in the Grass

"What though the radiance which was once so bright
  Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;

In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.


.......(by William Wordsworth).....


sally b

Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
New year's eve, December 2021

Up
The tree of the sweetsop
I see
Raindrops
Sliding down...to the leaves
Of the Fortune tree
Drip-dropping,
Straight falling
Splashing
Down
The
Graveled garden

From up
The tree of the sweetsop
There's rain,
Dropping now on my hands
We are connecting
Feeling
The union of
Cold and warm
Tears from the sky touching my skin
Never, never to be lukewarm
Towards
A presence-
And in its absence
Persists a longing.
Crystal, silvery droplets
I try to capture inside my palms
I would drink them, if possible
Make them stay in my system
Never to depart from me
As long as i can,
Lest they drop and be
Scattered
Disintegrate
Like molecules
On the
Graveled garden.



Sally

Copyright September 10, 2015
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan