An Old Man's Ode.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

i may still be able to hide
my true age in my hair which
i dye every month

my eyebrows, my beard, my
waist and my bones
can no longer deny it

my brain remains as young as
ever
my thoughts tell me still to
jump over the fence of
Baliling

it seems that nothing has
changed in the planets of my
universe
it is as though no star has
fallen
as though the moon still shines
on the romantic moments
of my life
in Plaza Magsaysay

when you kiss me this early morning
i have never felt anymore
the arrival of the red ants on my
nape
their tiny feet have not tickled
my nose
and even if some of them are biting
my lips
i have no feelings about it
anymore