A Poem For Bernardo.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

by the rising of the sun
ere the falling of the rain
rolling hills and
nagging splitting mountains
arbor thoughts along the
narrow trails of the paths of
armed men and women
rowing the rough seas of sulu
down to the forests of jolo
over the highways of zamboanga

free the kidnapped victims

assure the families and kins
shoo the sadness of those affected
untie the chains that bind them
nothing to give and part away
calm the screams and allay the fears
into the peaceful negotiations
out of the snake pits
now, submit to peace.