Plunderers Of Public Fund We Are Not

(Poem)

plunderers of public fund we are not

we did not purchase power

we did not crave for it

though oftentimes rumbling are our bellies

we did not swallow our honor and dignity

we did not masticate our shame

shadows we are holding vigil at night

amidst the glare of the lonely moon

in the hilly forest of liberating dreams

weaving we are the melodies of freedom

for our incarcerated land

in the bastion of lords

of injustices, penury and grief.

plunderers of public fund we are not

inside air-conditioned rooms we are not

that’s why

only the whirling wind

caresses our face and limbs

we have no porcelain plates

we have no expensive goblets

we have no steaming sopa de gallina

succulent pork lechon or sappy steaks

our callous hands are our spoons and forks

for our cold-cooked rice, fishes from creeks

camote and ampalaya shoots

we heartily relish on banana leaves.

plunderers of public fund we are not

that’s why we are always telling the truth

we are not hoodwinking the masses

with outright lies and illusions

of propagandized progress for all

hissing is our rebellious breath

flaming are our hands

seething are our brains

with sacred aspirations

to emancipate, at last, our enslaved land.

yes, plunderers of public fund we are not

like you we are not

pawning our beloved land’s future

just for you to stay in power more and more

we are dedicated warriors of freedom and honor

sacred purpose is our muse

the people’s welfare

our everlasting love

and fervently we cherish only

the yearnings of bleeding hearts

yes, a society not tormented

by the injustices and greed

of the exploitative class!