Like a migratory bird
To its native place returning
My eyes sought the familiar
Mountains afar looming
The wide swatch of Panguil Bay
The long stretch of seashore
But it was the magic
Of the setting sun that fetches
Happy and poignant memories
Of my bygone days.
Staring at the yellow ball of light
Slowly sinking
Into slides of canvasses
The nearby clouds transforming
Paintings of myself
My father and my brother
Sun-burned and half-naked
Half-submerged in shallow bays
Beholding the magic of sunsets
On countless fishing days.
Many years had passed
Since my father and my brother
Saw their last sunset
Leaving me trapped in poignant memories
Alone watching the sinking sun
Atop Mt. Malindang.
With shaky legs
I sadly rose from the rock seat,
Unsure if I’ll make it here next year
To behold the sunset.
