The Leiry Loop

Numbers

Four pillars of my home
Eight panes on the window
Six members of the family
Thirty-seven plates in the cupboard

Sixteen lines on my paper
Twenty-three steps of the staircase
Three books on the table
Nine projects nearing deadline

Zero locks on my door
Two gunshots to my head
Thirteen people at my wake
Two paths beyond the grave


Kung ako ang masusunod

Hayaan mo akong
makawala sa hawlang
sapilitang ipinalibot—
na kung bibigyang pansin ay
matamang tititig ngunit
walang matatandaan,
na wari ba'y ang aking boses na
nagkukumahig makatakas
ay isa lamang mumunting himig na
maaaring makalimutan
sa loob ng limang segundo.

Paumanhin.

Nais kong ihampas itong hawla sa sahig.