Bacolod 2011 May Poem by RIC BASTASA

(at kasai's resto)

little Tina i remember
was the one affectionate
with the white
kitten
that she saves from the
window in grandma's house

i have seen compassion
in her eyes

how did she grow to be
a woman
reserved, decent
and compassionate
to the little world
where she is
in now?

her mother who has
white hairs
smiles when Tina says
that marriage
can always wait
as she has still other
things to do
with
the present kittens
at the house
of the door
of her old house