Sinew of limb is sinew of mountain and tree,

Surging and flowing even under the weight

Of sinew of house, window and thatch, the free

Air upon which shoulder and sole float, freight

Common and borne by sinew of community.

Pure strength unfurls in curving and curl

Of cloud, rolled up sleeve, kerchief, serenity

In the eyes of child and horned beast, burl

Or scar on papaya stem. Sinews embrace—

Young and callow muscle might be—treasure

In tampipi, bayong with sungka, trail and trace

Of smoke and oil in hair and fighting cock feather.

In Botong, vein and bamboo breathe blue energy,

Grace-laden blue of our forgotten nobility.

 

 

May 10, 2015

​

​

​