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.
