At Istoy's Cafe In Puerto Prinsesa Poem by RIC BASTASA

the fronds are having
fake butterflies

two old americans are
having their usual talk
over english tea
and some marlboro
cigarette sticks

on the other table
are Filipino women
meeting for a pyramid
scheme

i have my own
morning spaghetti
in italian sauce
and guyabano shake

people around do not
speak about cancer
it would be too
harsh for a beautiful
morning here
in puerto prinsesa


next time i will have
Istoy's hot coffee
barako

they will not think of
anything else
i am just one of them
in the usual coffee world


i guess the two old
americans too must love
coffee next time just like
everyone else

i wish it will be a no
for cigarettes and
san miguel beer this early
foggy morning