Newborn For The Memory Poem by Francisco R. Albano

(For Phil and Maricar)


“Ditang hits Central Luzon” – News
“It’s a boy! ” – Nurse

In the eye of a typhoon was his dancing,
His song, of our flesh and blood, the center
Of the world’s certitude. Hold him this way
As the earth owns the sea, ebb and flow;
As the rain collects for greater surge
Of the rivers of life. Draw close to his breast
As cadre to revolution, and let blade feel
Vigor of untrodden sod suddenly open to freedom.
Let child empower us to overcome the future
Of a people’s struggle. For he is force
Of stormwinds across the landscape of the heart,
Skybreath birthing starrise and sunrise rousing
To what is just and good and simply wonderful.
Then leave him play; gift him care in the letting go