Confused-Shoes

I went to Jupiter for a nephew’s party

But as it were I came two hours too early

So I roamed the streets. I didn’t mind the sweat

And I had with me my favorite red Adidas jacket

I was looking for a barber, or a salon would do

But in this city, haircut, like women, is overpriced too.

I roamed the streets the sun was up

Looking for certainty amongst the bus stops

Looking for love in the fancy shops.

I was alone. Orion, Juno, Kalayaan, and other streets

Offered various, delectable, interesting treats

But Seven – elevens were ubiquitous. And that was good

I needn’t spend too much on food.

A pack of cigarettes would do.

But in this city, smoking in streets, like certain women, is forbidden too.

And I had issues in my mind, certain stuff

My superior education wasn’t enough

To keep my afternoon from getting too rough.

Party’s underway. Lovely relations            

And of course, no stunning revelations

Same old idea of happiness – getting together

Our togetherness –  every family member

Being there and kissing and smiling would do

But in this city, sincerity, like uneducated women, is frowned upon too.

And so there goes my day

I did not throw it all away

And I want all my loved ones to stay.

The night, in this big mall, is terrifying

People everywhere, buying colorful things, shopping

And everything goes up on sale

Moneymaking operating without fail

But really, just kindness would do

But in this city, charity, like badly-dressed women, is absent too.

And with my nieces, I should have stayed

The way they laughed and chased when we played

And on my way home I was lost and lonely and afraid.

Going home. The train was packed and with my jacket

I kept on checking every single pocket

And I was in the dark jeep. Drenched in sweat

Headed to UP and I had a walk that I could never forget

It was so dark. Silent, I was alone, and if something happened there’s nothing I could do

Because in every city, bravery, like intelligent women, are unrecognized too

And I was really lonely, felt like I needed a siren

But I took a walk in dark UP, of all places, just so I could tell it then

Though I’d be here tomorrow morning, I just wanted to know your night again.

Diliman, Quezon City