POEM

 

 

 

by Rem Tanauan

WHEREVER YOU LOOK BACK,

there’s haiku. In fact, it’s there

in the moss on the wall blessed

by rain. In the fallen

jasmin, like an upturned

umbrella on a grimy road.

In the leaves of

shiny bush, on the foot of

newly grown moringa.

They don’t bring

syllables, no need to

count them. Their presence

is waiting for

your quiet attention,

so eager to hand you

prayers.

 

(ORIGINAL POEM IN PILIPINO)

SAAN KA MAN LUMINGON,

may haiku. Ang totoo, nasa

lumot sa pader na may basbas

ng ulan. Nasa bumagsak na

kampupot, parang tiwarik na

payong sa magrasang daan.

Nasa mga dahon ng

pansit-pansitan, sa paanan ng

bagong-bagong malunggay.

Wala silang dalang

pantig, wala nang kailangang

bilangin. Ang presensya

nila, nakaabang sa

tahimik mong pagtuon,

handang-handang abutan ka

ng mga dasal.

 

About the author:

Rem Tanauan is a translator, writer, poet, Ginhawa well-being facilitator and a Yijing consultant on personal decision-making and life direction. He is the lead teacher of Tungko ng Tula, a 9-week poetry class and community for poets and artists and creatives. He is currently running its third batch. You can find his poems and photos on Instagram.com/ditomuna.