A part of me died when I was twelve.
I buried it in a soccer field.
There were no mourners, only weeds,
And three black cats, no crucifix.
 
Some parts of me refused to die,
So atop the grave I planted a lily
That bore no flower, kissed no sun,
Wearing itself of grief till soon
Ants  came to claim my piece of land.
 
Now I grieve, how I really grieve,
For these parts of me that chose to live!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AWARD-WINNING VIDEO INSPIRED BY THIS POEM

From Glass of Liquid Truths (Makati: 1974; Iloilo: 1979; New York: 2013)

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