The Woe in Sowing (Ang Hinaing sa Pagtatanim)

The Woe in Sowing

Does the farmer
listen
to the earth's complaint
when it feels the pain
the moment it is opened
with the plough
so the wheat
may be sown?

Does the earth
only feel
the sting of the wound
or does it experience
the thrill of the seed
Excited!
with the coming of
the joy of its fruit?



Ang Hinaing sa Pagtatanim

Nakikinig ba ang
magsasaka
sa panaghoy ng lupa
nang maramdaman nito
ang hapdi ng pagsugat ng araro
upang maipunla ang
natutulog na mga
buto?

Nararamdaman lang ba
ng lupa ang sakit
na dulot ng araro
o nararanasan din niya
ang saya ng punla
Nagagalak!
sa pagdating ng araw,
Araw ng Pagsibol?

Exodus 32: The Golden Calf

When there’s no strength left to endure,
She kneels down before a golden figure.
Before uttering her heart’s fracture,
Her eyes rest on its feature:

It has eyes but cannot see
Nose but cannot smell the offertory
Mouth but cannot express its feeling of pity

It has hands but cannot feel
Feet but it cannot walk on its heel.

Without uttering the sound in her throat,
She stands up and starts to leave the court.