saunter strut scintillate

the night is ticking
ticking tock to dawn--
i strut, i saunter
i scintillate
in these sordid,
slimy streets--
not an ounce of sleep
spilt on my sheets

piping panangis

tila kandilang nauupos ang mga araw
sabay sa taghoy ng iyong mga tangis—
balon ng dalamhating pumapailanlang sa kawalan

ibulong mo ang iyong mga agam-agam
sa mga aninong nagkukubli sa kadiliman
sa bulag na bintana, sa piping pintuan

ang iyong mga mata, naghihingalong gasera
tuloy sa paglamlam sa indayog ng hanging
nagbabadya ng matinding unos na parating.

love's cocoon

Let me vanish with your kiss
pop in an instant like bubbles do, in plain sight;
pull me in by the gravity of your eyes—
deep pools of black velvet,
riddled with stars;
let me sleep deep in your embrace,
snuggle me warm and safe—
cocooned from all these worldly cares
by the strength of your ribcage;
let me close my eyes and be with you,
even for just a moment’s breath;
in our place that’s neither here nor there—
as tender as a frail whisper,
as delicate as a strand of hair;
let me lay my head softly
on your chest, take comfort
from your beating heart that says
I’ll be safe,
I’ll be safe