Seatrip ***** Moro Gulf Poem by Rommel Mark Dominguez Marchan

(fromPagadian, Zamboanga to Cotabato ca. '93)

as young as my 2 siblings
curious mind expands
limited borders
exploring boundaries across
infinite Muslim seas
from the jungle clashed
of our father's no permit policy

as young as idolizing Columbus
in conquering fear
from an outside world

we never stop exploring in
an explored cities from
a lowly civilized seas

we're late explorer in this
21st century
ready to loosen our mind of
childish impulse
to capture ordinary journey
into self-acclaimed rare one
filling up with wonder and delight
and mingling with Muslim brothers
acquianting their Arabic style dialect
in midst of the rocky historic gulf

aboard antique wooden ferry
some are bound to Sulu, Basilan
Zamboanga City
a challenging route to escape
momentarily from our own
home of revolt