a perfect sunday morning

In the stifling heat of Tubbataha North Islet, a park ranger counts Red-footed Booby nests. Bird assessors are allowed on Tubbataha’s islets only once a year to conduct the count.
- Photo By Anton Carag of The Philippine Star

if only i could stretch my wings and soar

like a bird on top of the ocean blue

as high as the clouds that frolic

in a chilly wind, I will hold my breath

and feel its gentle rush

against my face, as I sing the last verse



but my hands are feathers no more

and my feet are far heavier, laden with sin

I'll be walking one moonlit night

to wipe the ocean's tears

and fill my heart with joy

as I wait for the coming of a new day