Mt. Tapias Poem by RIC BASTASA

my only mistake is
having forgotten
water

i have underestimated its
700 or so steps


it is still dark
and i am struggling for
height

the steps are stages of
what i can achieve

i reflect on all these
with reverence

reaching there i see
rolling hills
bald and brown
with some grass
and isolated trees


down there are houses
approaching a port with
docked boats from
El Nido
and Manila

guests are pouring in
wanting to see
what is virginal in these
islands

i am half-naked
when the sun comes with all its
golden tendrils


i have not talked to anyone
but My God

i am full and
bursting.