How Do I Remember You Ms. Belen? Poem by RIC BASTASA

we met as teachers in the college of the arts and sciences,
and i was busy with my poems, those that drained my sorrows
and longings dragged into some forms of
words,
metaphors kept me bound to some illusions
of beauty, as usual the good that i always pursue,
and the truth
which always put me in some wars with almost
every creature in the world,
you will remember me as a poem
and how do i remember you, Belen?

since then you were always like the white cherry blossom
graceful to the morning sun
and not afraid of the heat
and resilient to the cold,

there was one scene i cannot forget
we entered a newly opened noodle restaurant
we ordered our favorite
and we waited
and talked from a to z

did it rain then?
did we have the noodle finally?
did we really enjoy each other's company?

do you still remember?
the sound of the young city
the hush of the hands waiving always these departures

someday, perhaps we shall have more hellos

hey there, i am back, and i am staying here
in this courty for good

the Philippines.