Para sa Mga Burak sa Heidelberg
(To the Flowers of Heidelberg)
Ni Jose Rizal
Itinaga Baao ni P.B. Robosa

Pasadto kamo banwaan ko, dayuhan na burak
tagak sa raran kin mga nagbabaklay, iwinarak,
sa lomlom ka sirong kin azul na kalangitan,
sadto na an mga payaba ko pinag-iiningatan
iluyap ninyo, pagarang-arang kanakong rogan,
kining arayo pero di nalilingaw sa mga binayaan

Pasadto kamo, ag mabareta bago magliwanag,
kung kamo ka sirang ka aldow ibinubuklad,
sa pangpang ag agnow ka Neckar na ararom
sadto siya nakatindog, nang-guiguiromrom
pamumula sa tagsibol, darang kolor na magayon.

Ipa-ngusip ninyo kun pag-abot ka saking ramrag,
ayaton kaninyo an hamot na kaninyong ambag,
habang luway na pina-iirongog “o ika, payaba ko”
siya man nagririmo-rimo, sa itaas ninyo tinotono,
kantang pagkaboot, sa sadiring bisara nya guinibo

Kun su silaw ka ramrag aboton na su kaitaasan,
tuktok Koenigsthul kalayuwan kin kaliwanagan,
namumulaag na silaw ka aldow mang-guisong na,
sa patag, kadlagan ag kakahoyan nanbubuway na,
ining lagalag, sabat man tulos an silaw na dara,
na sadto banwaan man nya, minabulos biyaya.

Isabi ninyo ku kamo luway na pinili ag pinutlan,
ku sya nag-agi-agi sa sadit ag matulid na a-agian,
sa rugbang torreng tuda ko panahon na nakaagi,
sa Neckar na may kadlagan, malimpoy na sabi.
Sabiyon su kanyang mga panambitan ag sinabi
pauno kamo luway-luway, tinulid, ingat na inani,
sadto kanyang libro isinuksuk ag pinagkahigo,
sa mga lumang pahina, kamo niyang itinatago.

Hatudan, hatudan, magayon na burak kin Rhine,
an biyong pagka-boot ko sa ngamin na nabootan,
katoninongan sa banwaan kong kinamondagan,
sa kababaihan-katangihan, kusog sa kalalakihan.
Ipagtaratara diaday, sa mga payaba kong marhay
sa ngamin, kabilugang banal, pauulian ka buway.

Pag-abot sa baybayon kan pinayabang banwaan
matam-is na arok na pinamate di paglingawan,
ipatiprak sa pakpak kin angin na nakapalibot
tanganing su ngamin na inonra, ginalang, binoot,
mamate sa mga pisngi ninda--arok kong pina-abot.

Tibaad makaabot kamo sa banwaan kong tinubuan
dara pa gayon ag tinkad ninyong kolor na namasdan,
ta arayo kamo sa ragang kinabuklatan, nang-alisngaw,
namarong na amot, tibaad dagos nang naoda, nanlasaw.
An hamio ninyo, kalag ninyong tunay, di maisusuway,
di malilingangawan ka langit kun sari kamo nabuway.

Our SMA Days
P.B.Robosa


We were young and we were free
we'd walk the gate and into the end
it looked old and bare but it was cheery
crawl through a hole, smelled the floor
cracked the old desk covered with scrawls

We're proud but we knew how to have fun
brave the horrors of the grotto under the moon
plant crops in the morn or haul sand in the sun
we'd jump the high window and bang the bell
stole fried bananas on sticks and cursed like hell

We pretend joy and we pretend sorrow
liked a storm on occasion but during summer
hated math and physics but the ballyhoo
said “Good Morning Miss”to a sour face
eyes strained reading but quick for a little lace

We were all yours as we were all there
said goodbye in the end but never lost touch
We return and sing “Hail, Dear Alma Mater”
Passed the make shift gate and the gray halls
We've had laughter, light and loved in these walls

The Charge of the Horsemen at the Battle of Agdangan

Ahead! Down the hill the horses led
to rise again on another hillock
lit by the morning light the sun bled
and revealed to the enemy our attack

Ahead! The blue shirts advanced
and came the sound of rifles readied
disturbing the silence of the ground
drowning the charge of our steeds.

Charge! And we headed to the center
and fifty muzzles pointed to the riders
And the horsemen rode as if unaware
the guns loaded, fingers at the triggers

Crack! And a screen of smoke erupts
and our chests heaved with scarlet
we steadied, legs steeled to the stirrup
and then rolled down, giving in, death.

Like leaves we fall on desolate ground
plucked from flowers to be transplanted
no glory, no monuments to be found
amidst faith and longings unrewarded.

I was born into the love of a happy home
and heart gladdened by the wakening land
rearing to be free to trace its destiny alone
To draw paradise on earth with my hand

To ends that God, History point the way
the way of peace, and pride, and purpose
ends songs are wrought and heroes made
ends where lives are gave and joys repose

I, to boundless hope these ends followed
bearing honor, life, and my soul unafraid
bearing it for all the countless tomorrows
for my end, my home and sweet tender grave

The Cold of January

The Cold of January

Imagine being so warm again
Hot chocolate simmering on the stove
sounds so inviting to the steaming polutan
I'll eat my crisp tuyo slowly to last till tomorrow.

I promised myself some hot coffee later
and hurry inside till the fog turns to snow.

Now I forgot I'm too old to be this happy
My body smarts from the heavy blankets
and your grin after so much mischief
as I tease your frozen fingers clumsily

I enfold you and lead you to a little dance
to work up a sweat on that sweet warm skin

Let's do this every year in the cold
until that time when the cold front fades
or the weather breaks to rain and puts puddles
to the floor.

leaving us this intentions and recollections
of the warmth of this world

A Christmas tale by P.B. Robosa

Some years ago, for Christmas, I wrote a story as a Chirstmas gift to my wife, I gave her the copy of my first draft and vowed to elaborate it later when I will be able to publish it in a book along with my other stories. Well, the book is still a dream and the first draft remained untouched but its almost Christmas and I'm happy to share it with you.

The Tree of a Thousand Years
By: P.B.Robosa

Do you remember the story that the sky was once close to the earth? This was true. The sky was close to the earth and it was held by a tree that only lives for a thousand years. So for every thousand years or so the sky was in danger of falling down to earth and crushing everything on it, except of course, that their will be another tree ready to hold it up again. This would happen at the end of the year and at the beginning of the next so people then would wait quietly and anxiously at the end of the year, to the last minute, then broke in celebration on the first minute of the next year if the sky didn’t fall.
Nothing has yet seen this tree and many tried. It was said that a rainbow should point the way because its center is believed to be the highest part of the sky so perhaps the tree is there. So whenever a rainbow appears many would head out to its center. Finding the tree would be a great quest but also of enormous rewards because many believe that at the tree’s feet, gushes all the waters of the earth and from this the purest. From its branches, all fruit and flowers of the earth, even gold and silver, sprout and blooms. But best of all anyone who reaches it will have their hearts desire fulfilled, Once under the tree, one fears no ill weather, no hunger, no thirst, no loneliness and no pain. It would have been a great find for anyone indeed.
The bird Sayong wanted to see this tree and like many others he set out one day at the most beautiful of rainbows. The problem with Sayong was that he couldn’t fly like other birds because he was weighted down, endowed with many things because he was a peacock. He had a beautiful crown, shiny iridescent coat of feathers and a most wonderful tail that looked like it was studded with jewels. Sayong was encumbered by these trappings and a haughty and heavy heart that did not know how to love. So like the others he walked towards the rainbow.
After a while many have fallen back and discontinued the journey and only the most determined continued including Sayong. By nightfall the rainbow was gone and many others travelers and those that were left sat around a fire to keep warm. Sayong sat beside a tired Rooster who was staring at his crown. “My dear peacock,” said the Rooster, “you have such a beautiful crown.” “Do you get much praise from it?” “Yes I do,” said Sayong, “In fact I would give it to anyone quite easily because the endless praise it gets has become quite annoying.” “I would love to have them,” answered the Rooster quickly, “because that is why I am here, to look for praise which I have never had in my life and I fear I will die without it.” “I will give it to you if give me something in return.” said Sayong, “what do you have that you can give me?” Well they say I only have character, would you take some of my character?” “All right, said Sayong, taking off some of his crown and giving it to the Rooster for some of the Rooster’s character. At once Sayong felt some of his character and began to smile at himself.
The next evening at the fire, Sayong sat beside a tired looking Owl which kept looking at his iridescent feathers. “Did you get much learning my dear peacock? Your feathers are quite marvelous they look like the garment of a great philosopher.” “Yes,” answered Sayong, “I get much prestige from it but since the Rooster gave me some character last night I seem to feel no use for them.” “Prestige--you say?” retorted the Owl, “that is what I’m here for, I only have wisdom but I do not get much prestige, would you trade some of your coat with some of my wisdom?” “Gladly.” said Sayong.
On the next night, Sayong met a lonely looking white dove who kept looking at his tail feathers. “You have such beautiful tail feathers,” said the dove, “I wish I was born with some of them so I will not look so plain but beautiful like you. Sayong now with some character and wisdom offered “Would you like some of them, I’ll be glad to give you some.” “Really,” said the dove, “but I can only give you back some love which is all I have.”
“What is that?” Asked Sayong who did not know what love was. “No matter I’ll take it anyway, here are some of my tail feathers.” continued Sayong. Suddenly he felt very light and for the first time Sayong tried his flightless wings and he began to fly. He flew high up into sky and he was so happy he flew and flew and flew. At the very highest he did not feel the cold that was beginning to freeze his feathers, raindrops and wind began to buffet him but he continued on flying until at last he felt very tired and began his descent. A soon as the clouds parted from below him he saw a most majestic tree in front of him. It glittered with all manner of good things and Sayong immediately knew what it was and he headed for it.
Sayong perched on one of it branches and the tree moved feeling his presence. A voice from the tree began to talk. “Do you know where you are dear bird? You are in paradise and perhaps you are already dead for no one enters here alive.” “It does not matter anymore” answered Sayong “I am happy because I have found the tree of a thousand years.” The voice answered from the tree “The tree of a thousand years is the downfall of men, it is here that my Master was betrayed by the first man and woman who were lured and corrupted by its beauty. Up to this day it corrupts the world by its empty promises, that is perhaps why you are here. Yet my Master brings hope into the world by sending his son to destroy these promises and replace it with the promise of hope, no longer will men look from outside of themselves for nourishment, sustenance and freedom, but if they looked very hard, these they will find in their hearts.” And Sayong understood that his quest has ended and he stayed in paradise perched on the tree of a thousand years with his beauty, character, wisdom and love.
Everything came to pass in the world and a child was born to end all endless quests, and men most not look elsewhere but into their own hearts. The Rooster ever since was praised by men who removed its crown, the Owl had prestige but never got to show it because it came out only at night, the Dove never liked his tail feathers and today it has become symbol of love. Sometimes we never know what we will get until we stop wishing for it and we wait, What is true is that there is always joy in giving, whether it is a loving father giving his son away out of love, giving one’s life for others, or a Peacock giving all that he is about so he may truly feel real joy and freedom. We should remember these lessons at Christmas that it is not what we receive that gives us joy but what and when we give. To this very day we decorate the Christmas tree to remind us of another tree that holds up the sky and bears all things beautiful, why don’t we let it stay there till the New Year, lest the sky fall.



The End

Pinaka-Oreng Pa-aram
Ni Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Itinaga-Baao ni P.B. Robosa

Paaram ragang kinagisngan, potos nin kaliwanagan
Perlas sa dagat subangan, na-uudang kamurawayan
masingaya kong dara, patapos ag mamundong buway,
kun tibaad kuntana ini mas makintab, bago ag sagana,
itaatatao tolos man diyaday para sa kanimong karayan.

Sa raga kin labanan, sa init kan labo-labong sabatan
pusuan tolos na ibubuklad, an buway saimo idudusay,
maski sari, puon kin tanom, sa takay o sa lubid bitayan
patag man o talbongan kan binitay , labanan o kasakitan
dyaday man an buway, ilalatag kun ayaton ka banwaan.

Pa-aram na sa buway pag langit sumilaw ag nag aninag
senyas kan tapos kan ngitngit sa silaw kan bagong ramrag
kun kulang a pagkapula kuyan na namumulaag mong aldow
ibulos ag iluyap an pula ka rugo sa kanakong mga ugat,
itugma sa nagpupuon mong aldow na mabukang liwanag.

Pangitorogan ko ko ako igin pa, padagos angan nagdakulo
pagitorogan angan nagin tawo, nagkukusog angan nagtalubo
Namapandawan ka, kanamong perlas ka sirangan dagat
oda lua an maitom mong mga mata, tulid a kiray sa angog
di nagmundo o nagngongorot oda mantsa kin pagkasupog

hanap-anap ka kanakong buway, mawot ko angan pa man
Tara! babaoy kana kalag ko na sumusuway ag babayaan
Tara!Aba-a nang raay na mauda tangaining ika mabuway
mag-raan ta tumindog ka, nakaasag sakanimong kalangnitan
Sa raga mong malumok, magturog tuninong uda katapusan

kun usad na aldow ika makakoko, sa kanakong linubngan
nagtatarok kaiba sa mga doot usad na bumobukang burak
irokot mo kanimong mga ngabil ta ako kanimong inarkan
ag mamatean ko sa angog maski sa irarom kan lubongan
a maimbong mong inga-inga, pagpayaba mo mamamatean .

Pabayaeng a aninag ka bulan roktan ako kin luway-luway
Togote na ako kumintab sa mga silyab kan bagong sirang
a na angin pababayaeng mag-oyop oyop kin kamundoan
ag minsan kun agko tumogpa sa krus usad na gam-gam
pabayaeng maghingalo ag magsiwit kin katoninongan

Sa init kan aldow, paalisngawa pagkabasa kin tubig uran
tanganing agrangay ko sa langit paitaas man darahon
ludok na inabot kan buhay ko bayae kin iba pagtangisan
pagsinarom kan apon ag kun ako ipinapangadyi man
Banwaan, tabi ipagnayo-ngayo na sa Dios ako magingalo

pangadyi mo man su ngamin na ma-irak na nauda
su ngamin na nagagi kin di maisip na manga kasakitan
para sa mga ina ta na di matapos an mga panambitan
para sa mga ilo, mga balo ag mga rakop na pinasakitan
panadyean man Banwaan an na kanimong katalingkasan

saka kun gabi matauban na kin riknum an kamposanto
Oda nag aantabay kundi mga guiraan na sanang gayo
Di pag ribuka an muraway o bugawon an misteryo
ag kun marungog mo an tunog kan gitara o harpa
ako yan padaba kong banwaan saimo nagkakanta

Pag ining linubngan kanako di na basang mabisita
ni ono na basang krus o bato na natutudang tanda
ipaarado mo sa paraoma angan a raga iluyap niya
a abo ko bago malopa na ag di na papakinabangan
bayaeng mapino ag maging polbo sa ragang kaiwasan

hangan sa di na kaipohan an ako man marumruman
liliboton ko an maiwas mong langit, bukid o patag
maludok ta ikang kakantahan hangang ika mananok
sa kolor, ta-mis ag ugong ka kanakong panambitan
sa pagkaboot ag kamuyawan saimong da kataposan

Payaba kong Banwaan, ika kanakong kamondoan
Filipinas kan buway, ironga ining kanakong paaram
babayaan ko kanimo, mga kag-igin, mga nabootan
Lugar na uda mga uripon ana kanakong pai-iiyanan
kun sari pagtubod ay buway, Dios an may kahadean

Paaram, mga kag-igin, mga ngod, mga parte ko buway
mga kayamon ko sa pobreng baloy na naroromroman
mamuya kamo na ako umaabot na sa kahingaloan
paaram nakagnirit na dayuhan, kaiba ko sa kumuyawan
paaram sa ngamin na nabootan, a pagraan kapahingaloan

To My Daughters
P.B.Robosa

Soon the day is gone
like any afternoons and sunsets
but the moon rises
like the sudden smiles on your faces
or hides as in your occasional frowns
or your freckles show likes stars
A large one here, a small one at the corner.
We looked up at them many times
on the cool evenings we had time to share.
Someday you will be away
but distance and time will not
separate us but only will make me
remember and will put a smile on
my face, that I once, to you,
was a sheltering sky
and once a navigator
pointing at the
morning star.