My hammock swings escaping
from a highway of life hurrying
On to your caring tree trunks hanging
With orchestras of cicadas noisily serenading
The cool breeze anaesthesizes
My thoughts that’ve climbed some distant ridges
At home in the shattered temple, unconsummated promises
At peace now in modesties that only time did bless
Within the underground cathedral lie:
The mind’s a hermit of hidden truths he’d prophesy
The will’s a gallant warrior refusing to die
The heart’s a playful child chasing a butterfly
Along the banks of rivers clear I weave
broken lines from silk spun, the caterpillars believe
to wait in purgatories of gold-laden chrysalises, then leave
resurrection is heaven as wood-nymphs emerge and live
When waters flow beneath the bosoms and bowels of the earth
The wizards in rendezvous, solace in endless mirth
Shadows of misty mornings embrace your trees - all heights and girth
I shall rest, heart in mind, that death’s a reality, as natural as birth.
This poem has been inspired by the beautiful forest, wildlife and caves along the banks of Lalangawan River, in Cavinti town, in the province of Laguna in the Philippines.