A Pause in Time

A PAUSE IN TIME

by Victor P. Gendrano

Tarry a little while

and let those jaundiced eyes

pierce the unseen wonder

of nature's bounteous beauty

which in civilization's 

suicidal dash to extinction

neither could pause nor ponder

or otherwise reflect on the

spontaneity of the moment

or the cherished charm 

of a dew-draped flower

the mesmerizing melody of a song

the wishful whispers of a sigh or

a budding brave and shy smile

For once

let feelings and emotion

reign supreme over reason

and embrace these arrested

moments like long-lost lovers

Then let the soul sustain

itself of those magical moments

pulsing with life again.

In my book, RUSTLE OF BAMBOO LEAVES

 http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/rustle-of-bamboo-leaves/246155

Lenten Thoughts

© Victor P. Gendrano

Embrace each day with joy
give thanks for gift of life
living in borrowed time
in simple joy, delight.

Beauty is everywhere
if we but dare to look
within ourselves, others
or sound of nature’s brook.

Blooming flowers, bird’s songs
in warmth of sun-filled day,
kind words and warm smile
laughter in children’s play.

We are all sojourners
and life is but fleeting,
long after we are gone
bad or good deeds remain.

For we are truly dust
to dust we shall return,
power, riches, and fame
we leave after sojourn.

So resurrected Lord
in Your divine wisdom,
guide us simple mortals
right path to Your kingdom.


Reprinted from: Heritage magazine,
Vol. XII, No. 1, Spring 1998

BLACK DAY OF SEPTEMBER

BLACK DAY OF SEPTEMBER

by Victor P. Gendrano

(Dedicated to the victims of the
September 11, 2001 tragedy)


I see many faces in New York
face of hate of the perpetrators
face of death from workers and passengers
face of fear of facing death
face of despair for unuttered love
face of panic not knowing where to hide
and what to expect

but also
face of faith calmly accepting death
face of love comforting each other
face of compassion from the public
face of caring for the wounded
face of grief of kins of those who perished

the face of death is everywhere
death of lives
death of hopes and dreams
and
death of peace

Published in my book, RUSTLE OF BAMBOO LEAVES, © 2005

What is left

For those of you who are not in Facebook, I am uploading the following poem here to share with you. I wrote it last Saturday for Susan Rogers on the news of her father's accident and the uncertainty and sad plight of our mutual twin friends. I wrote this on the spur of the moment right after reading Susan's poem, What Returns, in Facebook. I think the poem just wrote itself and I am not revising it.


WHAT IS LEFT

(To Susan)

after the gale
and onslaught
of the fury of
the wild wind
devastating
everything in its path

there is always something
left behind in its
indiscriminating
path of destruction

a young sapling
bowed but not broken
buried but live seedling
awaiting the warmth
of a sunny day

for there is always
tomorrow even after
darkness of dying day

for so long
as man is man
with indomitable
spirit and faith in God
and friends lofting
their collective prayers
he will prevail

Los 33

Now that the Chilean miners have all been rescued, I just want to share this poem I wrote four days ago which I sent to my friend Gigliola Lubiano of Chile. I join the world in saluting their indomitable spirit and courage.

LOS 33

by V. P. Gendrano
11 October 2010

In Camp Hope
your loved ones wait
from darkness
to redemption
where hope and prayers
mingle with tears
in undying faith
to man's humanity
and God's grace

Trapped Chilean Miners

ESPERANZA
(Para los mineros chilenos)

Victor P. Gendrano

she names
her newborn girl
Esperanza
a beacon of hope
for her father
and other trapped miners
no están solos
you are not alone!
the world prays and waits
for your safe return

Con ayuda de Gigliola Lubiano

Ode to my father link

I never can master doing links here. Hope I do it right this time. This may be an old poem but it is still relevant for this coming Father's day. Happy Father's day to all Dads and Granddads! Here's the link:

ODE TO MY FATHER

World Poetry Day - March 21

diverse poets
the world over sing
on the changing
of the seasons
and nature’s beauty

each on their own
tongue and wisdom
and unique culture
yet employing poetry’s
universal language

world poets
let’s celebrate
World’s Poetry Day
and strive for humanity’s
unity in diversity

This Valentine's Day

I would trade all your gifts--
The heart-shaped chocolates
And lovely red roses
For warm embrace and kiss.

I would also forgo
The sleek ready-made card
With manufactured words
For whispered sweet-nothings.

The candlelight dinner
With romantic music
I would gladly exchange
For quiet night with you.

But this Valentine's Day
I'm left with memories
And numbing emptiness
Since you are far away.

In my book: Rustle of bamboo leaves

Yes we can

Dedicated to Barack Obama
New President of the United States

I have witnessed a new era
when people of all races
and creeds can dare to dream
in a color blind America

where hard work
and perseverance in an
atmosphere of peace,
friendship and civility
are earned and rewarded.

And where we can look
at our children's eyes
and say there is hope
for humankind...

in concert we will vow
yes, we can!


Sketchbook: a Journal for Eastern &
Western Short Forms
Vol. 4, Issue 1, Feb. 29, 2009

THE LIGHT

Reprinted from
Sketchbook, A Journal for Eastern & Western Short Forms
Vo. 3, No. 10, October 2008

For too long
I have dwelt in darkness
blinded by false promises
of a world gone mad,
consumed by the egomaniacal
instant gratification creed
and narcissistic idolatry
of the throw-away generation
peopling today's society

Where booze, drugs, sex
and getting high are
the main preoccupations
of mostly young purposeless lives
consigned to the quagmire
of hopelessness, despair
and unacknowledged guilt
with like-minded friends.

Then I see a light
flickering at first, till gradually
its blinding radiance consumes
all darkness and its minions;
and I feel so naked
afraid and ashamed
to show my face
with its telltale mask
of indifference and hate.

A gentle, soothing voice
then lifts and gathers me
in a warm embrace.

"Child of darkness
open your eyes,
come see the light
and confront your demons.
Resurrect the inherent goodness
they took away from you.
Take refuge in the security and love
of the family you have long forgotten.

Above all, come to me and
I will give you comfort and peace."