Notes On The Virgin Island Poem by RIC BASTASA

the island is a virgin.
he explains.
corals in pink pieces
are still untrodden by
any foot, though scattered
everywhere and
appears like a burning sand
from far away

a boat begins to slip
on the shore
opening it for more
spectators like us
on bare feet

the island is no longer a virgin.

a hat is blown by the wind and stays on the grass
a hand cannot reach it

a boy urinated upon the cracks of the rock
a crab drinks drops of salt

a tree there sheds off some leaves
and stays upon its feet
wilting

it is very hot and the women huddle
upon a nipa hut
while the men watch with their
tongue wet with saliva

when the night falls
a fire is built

the night is so cold
some shadows dance
but only for a while

the silence is lovely
no one wants to sleep