Philippine literature, Paradox by Angela Manalang-Gloria

Paradox

by Angela Manalang-Gloria

The things I planned and wanted so
Held off my bidding like a foe;

A past, white feathers in my hair,
Applause, a scandalous affair.

The things I did not want at all
Now hold my body to my soul;

Conscience, an empty diary,
A son, and self-sufficiency.

Having the things that passed me by
Would I be nearer to the sky?

And stripped of all that I now have,
Would I be farther from the grave?

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