FILIPINO SPIRIT

TO THE PHILIPPINE TYPHOON VICTIMS

FILIPINO SPIRIT

like the bamboo

of my ancestral land

the Filipino spirit

may be bowed

but still stands

no están solo

you're not alone

di ka nagiisa

TYPHOON HAIYIN

super typhoon caused
over 10,000 deaths
in the Philippines

the smell of death
is everywhere
the homeless and hungry
need worldwide help
both material and prayers

Cory Aquino

Roses
and rosaries
stopped the tanks and soldiers;
people power tested and won
that day.
Today
yellow flowers adorn her grave
first lady president,
a mere housewife,
she said.

Philippine Typhoon

(For the victims of the Philippine typhoon)

buried under the raging sea
with unrealized hopes and dreams
innocent victims of nature’s fury
no rank nor class distinction
escaped the unbridled calamity


Tagalog version

sa ilalim ng malupit na dagat
lumubog dala mga pangarap
biktima ng galit ng bagyo
mahirap o mayaman man
wala itong sinisino