i said no. ahahaha. he said he visited chicago for his fiance. he went to an open mic session here last july and sang at least three songs. one of them was this, and it captured me coz it featured the most beautiful city in the universe, hehehe. when i asked him for a web site he grinned and shook his head. "i have nothing," he said. so i asked for his email and asked for lyrics, and then he said, "oh my GOD! why?" and then after coming back from a visit to the philippines, he was nice enough to remember. "you wanted lyrics, remember?" he said. hehehehe. isn't the song gorgeous?, i asked the college student.
not sure if i need to post yet another unhappy piece in here, ahaha. r.a. laments the need for most filipinos to separate from their family and friends for a while to work. he had just returned from a visit to the philippines last august.
open mic: july
Originally uploaded by ulanmaya_deux.
And again I find you
stationed at stovetops:
blue gas light foundation,
perfume of
vinegar and ginger
I wonder if you dream of Manila
And in this hour of need
I see you my age now or younger:
your hair down to your shoulders,
your entire life before you—
every option and me—
in a barrel down Niagara Falls.
Tables and chairs
ricochet echoes
bedsheets and blankets
made
made
still made
And in your calloused hands
finding proof of the better man:
you speak of truth and love mathematic.
And from your neverbeenshaved face
comes talk of the future:
Save yourself!
Save for yourself!
and son, please dream of more than Manila.
Tables and chairs
ricochet echoes
bedsheets and blankets
made
made
still made
Thinking back,
hearing the shouting,
was this the only way
the only way
to tell you I love you?
I love you.
Did you have to go?
