Calbiga Caves Poem by RIC BASTASA

the caves of calbiga
hide the roots of trees
those that seem
to be growing strong
from above them
the summit of green leaves
and cool summer breeze
from the samar sea

the same roots
that you talk about
somewhere in vietnam
age and ages
they never tell us
the truth about themselves
we see them now
still strongly attached
living and breathing
but as usual mute

about the horrors of war
the killing of tribes
the annihilation of brothers

who came here before us?
what have they done
that you fear talking?

i know there used
to be blood running
along the rivers and
the tributaries

i know there are still
other stories to be told
but the water is now colder
and the night is near

we pack up again
and then go........