Transforming Imagery in Three Poems by Young Davao Writers

Nonfiction by | December 2, 2012

The transforming image is one of the most captivating things about poetry. When a poem transforms one thing into another right before the reader’s eyes, it becomes magical. Such a feat of ingenuity demonstrates the creative genius of the poet-magician.

This poetic element has been central to the poetics of many Filipino poets. It has been argued by many Philippine literary critics that the earliest form of poetry in the Philippines is the riddle, which represents things in fresh, often startlingly unexpected ways to tease the curiosity of the reader or listener. The “teasing of curiosity” lives on today to be the main appeal we get in reading poetry.

The successful execution of transforming imagery involves comparison between two things, and by properly connecting the dynamism of one thing to that of the other. The transforming image may be central to the poem, or may simply be a supporting element in its overall effect. The image may result in fantastic, often semantically deviant language, or it may arise in intended ambiguity.

Today, particularly in Davao, the transforming image is championed by local men of letters such as Don Pagusara and Macario Tiu, and many young writers, picking up from their poetics, also demonstrate this in their poetry.

A look at three particular poems by young Davao poets would reveal a harvest rich in imagination and transforming images.

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Ode to a Facebook Photo

Poetry by | December 2, 2012

This time, there are only your eyes.
Your gaze, fixed intently into space
as if searching the air for lost light
waves, digital owls, a revelation
of vagrant angels. I turn my laptop
towards the window so you too
could see a band of moonlit clouds,
some apple trees, and at a distance,
a pack of griffins.

—
Allen Samsuya is a creative writing major from the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Instead of a dislike button, he hereby proposes a “throw magic tomato button” on Facebook.

1/2

Poetry by | December 2, 2012

Half-cooked promises
Half rice still on plate
Half-truths of celebrities
Half-lies in policies
Half full cash pocket
Half empty wine goblet
Half-minded intentions
Half-hearted lamentations
Have we gone to world,
Of halves and no wholes?
Like the promises of lords,
And the mindset of fools.

—
Born in Davao City but raised in General Santos City. Currently studying B Medical Laboratory Science in University of Immaculate Conception.

lights

Poetry by | December 2, 2012

everything is still
the sun takes forever
giving the passing cars
a chance to stir the room
and my imagination
with their lights
i turn away
escaping yet failing
seeing the yesterdays
i look to my right
and there you are
sleeping beside me
i look away
and there you are
making your way to the bathroom
i sit up
and there you are
smiling at me from some time ago
i close my eyes
and i feel your lips touch mine
i open my eyes
everything is still
the sun takes forever
giving the passing cars
a chance to stir the room
and my imagination
with their lights

—
Davao born and raised, ex-architecture student at Ateneo de Davao University, currently out of school yet again.

The Prized Creature, Part 2

Fiction by | November 25, 2012

And so it was that one day, as the sun began to set in the west, the prized creature watched as the fox headed for its hole with the vixen, the stallion galloped away with the mare, the ram trudged in his trenches with the ewe, and the goose swam off with the gander. But it was alone. And it lifted its hands to the sky, gazing at the expanse imploringly, as though its silent pleas would rise with the wind towards the place of its Maker’s celestial dwelling.

The Essences observed.

“Might it be lonely?”

“Was it enough for Us to make but one of it?”

“The Created Order had provided for two of each kind that they may replenish their own for generations to come.”

“It seems We had overlooked something.”

“The Created Order is incomplete.”

“Then We must craft another of its kind.”

“A fitting companion.”

“A creature so like in likeness, but of finer form.”

“To help in the oversight.”

“To be a partner.”

“A flesh of its flesh.”

“A bone of its bone.”

Continue reading The Prized Creature, Part 2

Istoryahi Ko

Poetry by | November 18, 2012

maayo mu istorya si Ma’am uy
purbidang paminaw nako

“the annulment cannot be processed
when the spouse is not in trial
before the court of the land.”

unsa daw to? pastilan jud murag tinuod man
gilansangan ang iyang mga pulong
sa katahum sa iyang power point
de colores kaayo, naa pay gauntol-untol na bata
napuno ug drawing sa mga nindot nga
panang linya
paadto didto
paari diri
simang sa wala
tul-id sa tuo
katoohan jud ay

Continue reading Istoryahi Ko

The Prized Creature, Part 1

Fiction by | November 18, 2012

Paradise Lost, by Gustave Doré
Eons ago, long before remembered time, a great civil war was waged in the celestial realm. Two factions of celestial hosts clashed in a cataclysmic conflict that shook the cosmos. One faction, led by the usurper attempted to snatch the celestial throne and take dominion over the universe. The other stood in defense of it. While the usurping horde numbered only a third of the entire celestial host, the defenders numbered twice as many. Thus, by sheer number and might, the defenders prevailed.

Because of his impudence, the usurper thenceforth took on the title of Adversary, and for their rebellion, leader and horde were banished to a far flung sector of the universe, trillions of worlds away to await their final destiny. The banishment was irrevocable and the Adversary sought to find for them in the meanwhile, suitable habitations. Thus he declared, “Inhabit therefore any realm that you fancy. There are billions scattered all over the cosmos. Go, and spread your ilk to where you best desire. But remember, keep in touch with your brethren – the better for them to know what mischief lies afoot elsewhere in the universe!”

Continue reading The Prized Creature, Part 1

Lotto

Play by | November 11, 2012

(Base sa “The Lottery” ni Anton Chekhov)

Ang mag-asawa naa sa lamesa, nagameryenda. Si mister nagabasa ug dyaryo.

Dodong

Sus, tanawi ni o. Makipag-away daw ang Pilipinas sa China tungod sa Spratleys, maayo ra ba kung naa gyud tay laban.

Inday

Ay ambot lagi niana uy. Kanang China tanan na lang ginaangkon.

Dodong

Mao. (mobalik ug basa)

Inday

Ay Dong, tanawi daw ang numero sa iswipsteyks karon. Gitaya nako birthday ni Lalang, basig diay suwerte.

Dodong

Sus tuo ka ana uy. Nagasayang sayang lang kag kwarta sige’g taya. (pangitaon sa dyaryo ang resulta sa swipsteyks) Naa diri. Unsa man imong numero?

Inday

Bertday lagi ni Lalang, Dong. Nakalimot na ka sa bertday ni Lalang?

Dodong

Wala, oy! Setyembre 10 man to, di ba?

Continue reading Lotto