Fiesta
Picture the scene:-
A man walks with his dog on a beach in Cornwall, UK., apparently deep in thought.
His mind is some 7,000 miles away, preoccupied as always, with his intended Fiancee,
in SE Asia. They have just concluded their daily Internet chat. Next morning she will travel
to the far side of the island for the annual Fiesta in her village of birth.
But, first, she must fulfill her teaching duties and conduct her night class before leaving
for the weekend. And, if you hadn't guessed,
I am the man and this poem is about, and for, my Fiancee.
We hope you enjoy it.
This will be a family affair and my Fiancee, being the youngest, will take her youngest child,
her daughter Mimi, with her to be with all the family elders. Sadly, one elder is missing.
Her brother, Edgardo, passed away shortly after my Fiancee and myself "met" online,
and circumstances surrounding Edgardo's passing and laying to rest instantly cemented
a bond between my Fiancee and I, which we had both felt from the start.
This poem captures my feelings on many levels, having experienced the beauty of her homeland
and the friendly, smiling people, happy in spite of their poverty, but I've not yet had the Fiesta experience.
See them gathered as my mind's eye sees them, if you will... and go with me, in Spirit,
from a beach in West Cornwall, UK, to Fiesta in Taft, Eastern Samar, Republic of Philippines.
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Fiesta
by Ken Woolcock
Overcast and breezy,
the midday sun is hid
behind a cloud, clouds fill my day,
but not through things I did.
From Thursday until Monday
my Love has gone away
to celebrate Fiesta,
her absence makes life grey.
Our time today fast ended
when she rushed back to school
to teach her night class, overseen
by the one who makes the rules.
"I hope you finish early,
then take yourself to bed
in dreams of me, sleep well, my Love,
you've a busy day ahead.
The coach leaves for your village
and 3am departs,
prepack your things, prepare your child
for such an early start.
At least you go by coach, not bus,
a good choice to decide,
the coach takes just 4hrs, no fuss,
else an 8hrs bumpy ride.
Enjoy your town's Fiesta,
I long for your return,
every hour I miss you,
each second slowly burns
within my heart
whilst we're apart
and the hunger ever yearns.
Be safe, my Sweet, guard well your child,
and travel in God's hands,
someday I'll travel there with thee
for Fiesta, as we've planned.
Give my regards to elders
as you gather on the beach,
my Love to you and Mimi,
so far beyond my reach.
Light a candle for Edgardo,
and as you kneel to pray,
imagine me as I beg God's grace
to keep you safe whilst you're away.
Go celebrate with elders,
light fires with leaf and branch and twig,
raise high your glass, sing well for me
as you roast the spitted pig."
© Copyright:- 24 July, 2008 - Kenneth G Woolcock
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