not easy to know, neither understand,
but sooner or later, you need to answer many questions.
“Hiding behind the shadow of thick clouds”
That seems to illustrate the search
by the mind that is blind to righteous reason.
Or is it really blind? Or it just compels to see what it wants to see
and avoids what is really in front of him?
It is foolish to run after speeding time
when you are late for the race,
what more to reach for your dream when you don’t meet the measure,
No matter how hard you try to disentangle
you will get back where you began
and eat dust as you crawl down the path.
It is better to accept right from the start
the strange destiny,
You could escape much agony and tears
If only you will put yourself at the right place:
In plenty then indulge, if scarcity then suffer;
Life on earth is not fair.
“What will you do against the system
if you’re not educated?”
“Well, go to school and learn a skill!”
“It’s easy to say but difficult to begin.”
“You won’t really finish if you wouldn’t start!”
“How, when it’s too late?”
Every move you make requires money
even every grain you put into your mouth has a price.
You can do everything you want to do if you have something to spend.
What if you have nothing?
Where will you get it?
Try your luck in lottery?
Go, and dream if you have ten pesos to spare!
It’s not even enough for food!
It’s like hitting the moon with your hands all tied up!
What about begging for alms in the streets?
Hope for the help of those who show mercy?
But how will they take pity with your big, round belly?
Your feet maybe crippled and your body weak
But at least you can think!
Where are you going?
How will you get there?
Do you need to go there alone or with company?
Will someone fetch you?
It is tiring to be an invalid!
But it’s even tiring to get tired!
Life seems a big waste if it has accomplished nothing,
Walked once on earth but no one noticed,
Even someone mentions your name, no one recognizes,
Years will pass by and no one will remember.
Like ashes that strong wind has blown,
joining the dust of the air that people wipe away.
It is better to die
than live in this universe;
better to be buried under the soil than continue to breathe.
It could spring forth a new person
who has collected added strength.
It is not us who determine the end,
No matter if one ends up at an unlikable place.
Heaven’s will still prevail
along with mercy that never ends.
Every thing has a purpose
Then every thing has a sensible significance.
If you have found out where you are and where you want to go,
that’s the time when you will see clearly.
Then you will understand the benefit
from the lessons you have passed
like a treasure that is never lost;
that is if you have understanding.
Translated from the Poem “Panlulumo”
An official entry to the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards 2010
by Arnel S. Oroceo
by Arnel S. Oroceo
Copyright secured. All Rights Reserved
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