artwork by Fiorella Baldeo

Sigaw ng Tuyong Labi

Poetry

Daniel Calusin

February 28, 2025

Nang minsa’y dumampi

ang tubig sa uhaw mong bayan

Winasak na ang tanikalang gumagapi

Panatag na ang kaluluwang naghinagpis

Ngunit isang kamay ang muling humaplos,

Magaspang, marumi, at hindi kanais-nais

Hanggang sa humantong sa pagkatuyo ng mga labi,

Inalis ang karapatang bumanggit ng mga salita,

Nangibabaw ang pula sa dating asul na naghahari

Kasakima’y lumaganap, dugo’y dumanak

Nawala ang bituin at dumumi ang mga puti

Nawalan ng pag-asa bayan mong tinatangi

“Kalayaan!” sigaw ng kaluluwang inalipin

“Katotohanan!” ang nais ng mga taingang ginawang bingi

“Katarungan!” ang sigaw ng tuyong labi

Hustisya ang bulong ng pusong ginapi

36

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