Author Archive

the cicadas start a happy cheer
in competition with a lonesome owl
the wind sighs, softly whispers
as the deer comforts their young

stars in the heavens outshine
city lamps and car lights
neon lights sparkle
against the stark darkness

while the day-trippers’ dream
moaning, sighing in their sleep
night birds go about
their old haunts, to hunt

Yldara / Maria Stanphill  0208801

A shadow clad in tattered rags
grime and dirt on his hands and face
his soiled, blistered feet, unshod
his hands clutching a prize
enough to defy hunger, mute its fangs
while he awaits, tomorrow

As he, well clothed in high end fashion
manicured hands, clean-shaven face
his socked feet, shod in shined leather
his ringed fingers on a triggered handle
enough to silence a life, defy all reason
barely outlives, today

Yldara / Maria Stanphill  3001080743

Raindrops on the leaves and grass
Time to mow!  Time to mow!
Until the rains pass
Make it grow!  Make it grow!

by:  Milyna Adriel Q. Stanphill   1148072408

An attempt at poetry by my daughter.  She saw me working on a poetry challenge one day and decided to give it a try.

I would say she did a good job on this poem, considering she wrote this one when she was not even six years old.  Or, is that just the proud mother in me?

in vibrant hue
painting rainbows
vivid in sunshine
in nature, a child

at morning’s dew
chasing shadows
floating in cloud nine
a fortune, that smiled

Yldara / Maria Stanphill
072010-04

 

Those oysters to be had fresh and sweet
just clinging to some rocks; fishermen
pulling in their load before sunrise –
bygone treats. Who is footing the bill?

Yldara / Maria Stanphill  0611070918

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Above is another example of a quatrain considered good enough by my editor/mentor  for publication.  The writers in our group were tasked with writing poetry in any form that depicts the man made changes in nature and our surroundings.

Since I happen to have been born and also grew up in Davao City, I decided to make it my own “mini” challenge.  I love the beaches of Davao and nearby Samal Islands, but Davao Times Beach holds a special place in my heart. Many of my happy, childhood memories happened thereabouts.

I remember the many times my siblings, cousins and neighbors sneaked out to go to that particular beach. There were not a lot of huts for rent then. The structures that were there were mostly what I would call organic in composition.

Davao Times Beach at sunrise was peaceful. It was quiet except for the sound of waves crashing and the occasional splash and giggles we kids would make.

One could make a meal out of the bounty we would find on the beach.  There were also these rocks that jaunted so and most had oysters just waiting for anyone to make a treat out of.  Back then, you could help the fisherman pull in his net and as a reward you get some of the haul: fish, shrimp and whatnot.

I have not been back for over ten years.  Recently, I googled (such an odd term!) Davao Times Beach and got quite a surprise.  Instead of endless sandy beachfronts – I was being shown houses, resorts and everything else but the beach that I remember.

What my childhood friends and I experienced was not a dream but sadly now are just memories.  Hopefully, Davaoenos will take steps to NOT make Davao Times Beach – a nightmare.

 

Scavenging, searching for something
to eat, keep warm. By the ruins,
looking for some form of shelter
to shroud and rest one’s weary flesh.

With every heartbeat, in every
rustle of leaves and footfall heard,
fear rises – an eerie shadow
waiting to pounce, to still what breathes.

Pain. Anger. Silenced companions
draped over these weighted shoulders.
They keep hope alive against odds
chaining feeble humanity.

Cardboard boxes, sheets of metal:
makeshift bed and cover, enough
to while the night away, wishing
liberty rises with the sun.

Yldara/Maria Stanphill  2911070828

Books and more in bags to hustle
Packed lunches in paper or plastic
Crammed ideas stuffed in a sandwich
Jellies and jams by the jar consumed

Colored pens, crayons and pencils
Pads of paper to write and draw on
Tied up strings, reminders all
Back to school in a seeming daze

Yldara/ Maria Stanphill  290907730

swaying, dancing
in silence
music streaming
from her soul
graceful, hardy
she is more

like blue green waves,
rising tall -
falling, breaking
unmindful
of hot white sands
underfoot

Yldara/ Maria Stanphill  1211070932

as it crackles and it burns
away the night; the cold air
slipping past wistfulness on a dare
billowing in smoke, still yearns
for the illusive light of dawn

hear the silence; make it yours
alone, before the cicadas start
their own chorus and your heart
chases it, straight out the doors
bowing in defeat to a yawn

Yldara/M. Stanphill

where sweet golden fruits
are grasped, handled, picked
and laughter of children
comes from you and I

where shadows of limbs, leaves
are welcomed with delight
and all the while considered
a fairy tale and plot

where being face to face
with bees is certainly a must
and giggles are as bountiful
as the mango pits, we discard

Yldara/ M. Stanphill  1411071104