Saturday, September 17, 2011

A MOUNTAIN PRAYER




A MOUNTAIN PRAYER



You glimpse her in the window as the bus/rolls by— lit end of her cigar/poised in her mouth, eyes scanning/the day for what warmth it will bring .--- From “Harbinger” by Luisa A. Igloria, Via Negativa, 09-16-11


They will come home today, I know that.
It is the coldest morning this month.
 

That’s when they come and feast on my
rice cakes, that’s when they come.
 

They will build a little manger in the grove,
out of banana stalks and dried leaves.
 

Look at that, I burned my lips with the lit end
of my cigar. Could be an omen. Who is ill?
 

Great Kannoyan, god of my fathers, protect
my little ones, I need them to come home.
 

On this cold morning, I hope I could share
brewed rice coffee with them before I go.
 



— Albert B. Casuga
09-16-11


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