Manila, Recently Dead
Manila, recently dead
Bowed under by a heavy yellow cloud
Forest transported in its midst struggled
But soon black soot effaced the green
Trudging wraiths crossing Quiapo bridge
So many dead men walking in a line
In silence but for footfalls on greasy cobble
Walking not knowing wither they all go
Flowing downbridge into the plaza of demagogues
To where the women walked on shortened legs
As the cathedral belfry shouted at the throng below
‘Amulets, amulets to hang on the blackened Messiah!
But your city will not live, no not at all’
Wake your homeless and hamletize them off
‘Til only mangy dogs beg in the filthy curbs
Oh Manila, recently dead, I leave you now
Without laments over your passing
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