Southern California Poem by RIC BASTASA

how i wish to say:

'You are so beautiful
Southern California...

i see
In Southern California
the wine makers
Planting their grapes
in their fields '

but i have never been
to Southern California

and i would be lying
if not bluffing to say
the same,

but let me (see) er, SAY:

Barangay Dos, Katipunan
You are so beautiful to me
the muscled arms of
Filipino farmers are plowing
the brown muddy fields
while the women bow down
wearing their buri hats
planting the rice......

i am watching them
under a tree
the wind blows
on my luxury.