Early Sol Gadong
I knew of many tongues, hers
Included, and it bothered her
When I got so confused with
Ahay Bitaw Naku Tao kimo.
For years, she’s failed to hide
The ugtas beneath the melody
That accompanied her voice.
My Ilongga was tone-deaf. So
I asked her what she wanted
“Ang mahalin ka,” she sighed,
Knowing well that I knew her
Heart language—Hiligaynon.
So I left my palangga, I left
Her land of gugma, but not
Before leaving her my shell
Of a heart, all emptied, dahil
All this Tagalog’s kasingkasing
Ever wanted was mahalin siya.
