on the ascent, Manila in sight
filtered through cabin windows, a city alight
and i am alone. a row to myself, i wonder
is it normal, the emptiness
in night flights, the silence in sleep,
the permanence in loss, the quiet
within, the numbness
i anticipate upon arrival.
i welcome unpredictable
rain, hope against turbulence, i remember—
remember, i carry like luggage
every conversation, sermon, whisper
i grew up with, in reluctance, your words
rooted in my silence, in my leaving.
i anticipate upon descent
grief lost in the air, perhaps
only in transit, can i hold the sadness
in childhood, the sadness
within, the loss
i now carry like luggage
every candle, flower, prayer
i offered, in reluctance, my words
silent, i can only remember.
in my leaving again, i welcome your memory.
Cheska Cortejos was born and raised in Cagayan de Oro City. She graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She has been a member of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC) since 2019.