BOLUSAO WELCOMES YOU BACK!
(Bolusao, Lawaan, Eastern Samar, Philippines)
A Poem by Japs Abud Gacho, 7/23/2005


In the middle of the night I awoke
To the sound of your voice from afar
I listened to what you were saying…
You said you missed me.

It’s that same old story of your yearning
To come back to this place…
Even after many years of abandon,
You still call me home.

I’ve dreamt of when you’ll set foot again
With bare feet, you’ll feel the sand
And touch the warm salty sea
That heals your soul.

I imagine you swimming back to the shore…
Oh! How you loved the beautiful river!
Remember when it captivated your heart
Long before you meet the man of your dreams?

I was there when you picked the flowers
You were delighted to harvest the fruits
You were a free spirit who roamed the narrow streets…
Your laughter was, for me, a song.

Please come back home!
Once again, feel the warmth of the love
That you’ll receive from your loved ones
Who supported you along the way.

Once more, quench your thirst
And be reunited with friends
Who prayed for your success
And longed to welcome you back.

And… just like the not-so-distant past
Be free to feel the calming breeze,
The summer heat, the rainy days,
And the full moon nights.

Walk your way to where your heart is
And be happy to see me once again
For I’m the same old Bolusao who embraces
Those who have decided to…

Come back home!