AfterShave

After all the sears
that cut his back,
after all the ropes
that entwined his essence,
and after all the
winks that he strangled,
he still wants the
bakers to be incorrect.

After all the wires
that he masterfully fooled,
after all the flowers
that he cautiously cajoled,
and after all the
notes that he found
himself singing, he still
found a way to
to be stupid for
your windows and statues.

After all the stones
and pebbles that rolled
over his toes, after
all the green geckos
that scaled his imagination,
and after all the
moonshines that handcuffed his
soul, he still found
himself strolling your shores.

Dreaming of Tinapa

I was a lonely man
with nothing to do
but dream -
dream of happyness
and smiles.
I used to close
my eyes and fly
off to the ocean
where I would sit with
everyone I know on
top of purple and green
corals.

Such joy whenever
we sit down -

I still fly off whenever
I can, but I don't close my eyes nor
dream anymore.

Her Piece of Paradise

Love songs on the radio
she hears everyday;
with closed eyes and open hearts
she waits for the songs to play.

This song on the radio
that makes her mouth dance
also befits her
dreamy romance. . .

I smile and approach her,
and then I stopped.
I didn't want to disturb her
smile . . .

The song's for you
my sweetheart,
I've tried to stop. . .

Going Against the Grain

First off, I don’t want to be conceited,
I like you that much for me to think
It’s not about me but about what you want.

Second, I’m not playing games,
I’m just making sure it’s about us.
Though I’m confident, I can still end
Up feeling humiliated and hurt: you might not
Return the feeling and that all these
I’m seeing and feeling might be play.

Now, I’ll assume it’s about you and me.

Third, what comes out my
Mouth are well thought of
Words. I’ve learned in this life
To take care of the words that I
Drop, please don’t assume that
I don’t mean them.

Fourth, is it not obvious
That I’m willing to “risk”
For you?