You came to me limping,
and I asked you what had happened.
It was your ankle, you said.
On the treadmill, of all things.

I looked at you quizzically,
wondering what it was that kept you obsessed
with running.

I did not bother to give you my arm
as crutches, though,
because you would have none of that.

You insisted on walking on your own.

Neither could I stop you from leaving,
when the time for leaving came.
And you left me, limping,
and I watched your fragility from a distance.


lumingon ako sa langit
at nakita ang ating bituin
na marahang sumusungaw sa
likod ng mga anino ng mga punong
kinagisnan natin.

mula sa hangin
sinubukan kong buhayin muli
ang mga alaala
at ibinulong ko ang pangalan mo
na parang tanong
ang gabi lamang ang may kasagutan--

bakit wala ka na?
at bakit naririto pa rin ako, umaasa?

ngunit walang tugon.

inasahan kong manatili
nang gaya ng pangakong pinako
sa bituing inangkin
ngunit sa ngayong paglingon
ay mataas na pala
sa makalimuting langit.

naisip ko,
tama nga ang mga siyantipiko:
umiikot pa rin ang mundo.