Modern "Francisco Balagtas", are you there?

C'mon, I know that many of you are just hibernating in a nook or crevice. Poetry runs in your veins. I now encourage you to stretch, out of your comfort zone, and show the hidden talent in you.

Yes, gone are the days when we orally court our ladies with stringed flowery words. That's already considered "corny" and so passe'. We are becoming westernized, becoming straightforward. And yet those timid, they tend to suppress their feelings. Patingin tingin, pasiklapsiklap na lang hanggang maging sulimpat o kaya'y sinusulat na lang at itinatago a la "my dear diary", o "dear Tia Dely".

Now, here's the chance for us to retrieve those flowery words and post then where others could see the "modern Francisco Balagtas" in us. Intrinsically, we are gifted: balaknon, manunula, mananniw. We may not say it verbally, but we have it deep inside us.

Join me in honing our skill in poetry writing. Post something. Say it if you would like somebody to give you some feedback. But please, peer reviewer, we don't welcome an "ano ba yan" o "dyahe" comment. We need a constructive criticism. Remember, we have this group to motivate and develop the "modern Francisco Balagtas"; hence, say something to sharpen someone's skill. And to make this group alive and kicking, invite your friends to join in. Who know's one of your friends has a secret crush on you, or is having identity crises, or is enjoying life because of your camaraderie. So join now.  Just go to Great Pinoy group and click on "literature and art". 

Here's my first poem. Ito ay para patapangin, pasiglaten, o pa-isugon ang "apug" natin. Honestly, am not good at poetry writing yet. Am still learning the craft. Let's continue to develop, learn and improve together. Mabuhay tayong lahat, mga up-and-coming "Modern Makata".

DIFFERENCES? SHOW RESPECT!

(An Open Form of Poetry)

Around the world, I traveled.

Appreciating what God created.

Lo and behold! I have discovered

Differences! All over the world!

The world is beautiful and awesome;

…Vast land and huge stretch of the ocean.

Animals of diff’rent sizes, strength and wisdom

…Perfect creation, with exception of some.

Intelligent homo sapiens, the highest creation,

…Adapting surrounding, loving exploration.

Acts differently, one has to be careful

…Relating with tact; lest t’would be painful.

One tribe in Kenya we visited one day

They spat on our face, when we greeted with glee.

Immediate response, one raised an arm hard…

…Slapped one, a horrendous act of disregard.

A westerner went to the Far East

…Visited a tribe out in the forest.

Admired a girl, he patted her back…

Told later he deflowered her was a shock.

Surely people have lots of differences.

Be tactful when in someone’s presence

One world we live in, yet each have own folkways.

Show respect. Let the world have a li’l peace.

Edmund Melig Industan

Note: 1) This poem is included in my upcoming book, 100 + 1 Poem on The Experimental Dasang (Hey Poem) and 45 Other Poetry Forms. Hopefully, it would be in the market in December.

 2) This is a special blog to promote the poetry group.

Tags: Poetry Open Form Philippine Poetry Group

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