A Strong Heart Poem by Noel Tupan

As dark as the clouds in the sky, telling
that a heavy rain is about to fall;
a poignant heart is about to burst
and tears would fall while looking at
the shadow fading, swallowed by the dark.
As vague as an object standing
from a distance, of a pale color,
unknown to a viewer; a stranger?
a feeling inside quite hard to explain;
love or hatred? Trying to decipher,
but now and again it exists and contend.
As searing as the heat of the sun in
a summer-sky; the intense heat that
withers and annihilates the green fields
and the flowers, and thirsting the birds;
a heart that was warm and loving
which becomes weary, now refrains from
sobbing, piling-up some strength.
As odorous as the fragrance of the flowers
that blossom in the month of May;
a new love blooms that gradually
brings a smile to a worn out heart.
As calm as the tranquil sea after
the storm had passed, with the seagulls
flying or resting upon the peaceful water;
a soul that used to battle against
life and love’s hostilities, now
more composed and vexes no more.
As happy as a child that plays around,
so carefree and frets not of any peril,
for there’s a hand who will catch and
pamper, and caress the battered flesh;
a woman who weathered the storm
of infidelity, now stands strong and
positive, for now there’s a shoulder
to lean on, stronger than before.
Love sometimes is full of complexities,
at times down and battered, but
a strong heart survives nevertheless.

(05/15/2012, Manila)