The Old Woman

 

To the world, a gentle face,

A portrait sweet, of quiet grace.

The neighbors saw an innocent heart,

Unaware of the shadow prepared to start.

Behind closed doors, the velvet fell,

And brought her home a taste of hell.

To stepfamily bonds, a monster born—

Greedy, cold, and sharp as thorn.

She tore at threads of blood and line,

Claiming what was never fine,

Leaving fractures, deep and raw,

A ruthless hand, an unwritten law.

Now bone and breath have turned to dust,

Yet memory holds no peace or trust.

Her shadow stretches long and deep,

A haunting promise she still keeps.

I light a candle in the dark, 

Leonaga T.Larena

1995

Bais City Negros Oriental 

Bahay Kubo in Calo

 Beside the river, on the farm so green,

Stands a humble home, a Bahay Kubo serene. Built with bamboo and nipa, a simple abode, With nature as its backdrop, a peaceful abode.

The gentle breeze that blows, brings a sweet scent, Of flowers and crops, so rich and abundant. The flowing river, a soothing lullaby, As the farmers work hard, beneath the bright blue sky.

Inside the Bahay Kubo, a cozy retreat, Where families gather, to rest and to eat. Simple pleasures in life, they embrace with joy, Content with the Calo farm, and its bountiful employ.

The Bahay Kubo stands as a symbol so pure, Of life that's simple, and values that endure. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the world outside, In this humble abode, there's peace to abide.

Beside the river, on the farm so green, The Bahay Kubo stands, a sight to be seen. A haven of tranquility, amidst nature's charm, A place to call home, with open arms.

Leonaga T. Larena in 1991

Sra. Acion ,San Jose ,Negros Oriental

The River 1973

The river is a human being of pleasure
From the valley to the lowlands showing clear water
Carefree that she turns out at her best
And swans that cover her love’s measure
Flowing under the bridges showing her life of Free
Surrounding the trees seen its day and night
Hang around her naked to hear the sound of music and dance to please her self
Toughing the water so kisses her pleasure



The River is like spring the source of life on earth
Flashing in the wide green glade,
Hidden worlds kept from human being watchful eyes
Disaster to Sunshine appear with Grace and Beauty
Tempered with the lightning’s aid and charity,
To  touch the crystal clear water and endless connection
Witness to my endless love to the man I love
For life, I hope to see you end again flowing
From the mountain to show his precious treasures



A 1973  Poem by Baisanon Poet Leonaga H.Tulabing Larena a lover of World Literature and a member of Dumaguete Reading Club from 1971 to 1985. In  Summer of 1965 and 1966  she was sent to Manila thru a government scholarship to study Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo at the University of the Philippines Diliman.