How Does One Write

Poetry by | November 6, 2023

for someone
who suddenly died—

when the midsentence
is punctuated

with perpetual ellipses

disguised
in the color of paper

you’ll abandon
with a word that hangs
and longs for a close?

How does one continue
to foretell somebody’s thought

or inkling

from a body that no longer moves—
an unbending shape
stripped off of its narratives
since its eyes have finally closed?


Arvin Ebdalin Narvaza is a poetry writer hailing from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Poetry has always been the compass of his creative journey, guiding him through the vast landscapes of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. With great passion and dedication, he has honed his craft and he strives to share his voice with a wider audience. He published some of his poems at Dagmay, Bisaya Magasin (Manila Bulletin), and Habi Literary Folio. Currently, he is studying for his Ph.D. at Ateneo de Davao University.

Circle Over Another

Poetry by | November 6, 2023

stamped randomly
against the grain
of the wooden table—

each a decade’s worth
of stories summarized
to an hour

of infrequent sipping
and restless hands
that lift and set

the dewing cups
on a slightly newer
place.

Two.

Four.

Five circles.

Outlining where
our stories move.

The next turn
would be yours,
on the sixth

narrative
we punctuate with
silence and stares

as if culling
some things worthwhile
from the hazy past

written on the span
between your eyes.


Arvin Ebdalin Narvaza is a poetry writer hailing from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Poetry has always been the compass of his creative journey, guiding him through the vast landscapes of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. With great passion and dedication, he has honed his craft and he strives to share his voice with a wider audience. He published some of his poems at Dagmay, Bisaya Magasin (Manila Bulletin), and Habi Literary Folio. Currently, he is studying for his Ph.D. at Ateneo de Davao University.