Cirilo Bautista (1947 - / Philippines)

I walk along the shore of Lake Lucerne
The sunlight glimmers on the water
and pigeons eat crumbs under the trees.
The wind is cold, so I button my black jacket and tighten my woolen mufflers.
Dew still clings to the red and yellow tulips.
Lovers embrace on the wooden piers while slowly
the boat from Gotthard sails into port.
Two swans and a duck float near
the piers, seeking the bread a man has thrown
into the water, there under the blue sky.

I feel lonely by the shore of Lake Lucerne.
I hold my head high and whistle a tune.