A poem titled "Balak" by Gerwin Vic E. Bhuyob, published on July 4, 2026, at 10:02 am in Bangkok, Thailand, reflects on themes of departure and return.
Imagery of Weight and Movement
The poem opens with the line "Kanunay kang nakiling paingon sa laing dapit" (You always lean toward another place), suggesting a constant inclination to leave. It describes the tension of ropes holding the weight of departure, with the line "Bisan sa pagpahulay ang mga pisi nagkupot sa gibug-aton sa pagbiya" (Even at rest, the ropes hold the weight of departure).
Metaphors of Transformation
Bhuyob uses natural and industrial metaphors: "Ang kahoy manghupong sa asin" (The wood will swell with salt) and "Ang puthaw mahinumdom" (The iron will remember). These lines evoke the enduring effects of the sea and time on materials.
Unspoken Cargo
The poem states, "Ingon nila nga ang mga sakayan nagdalag kargamento, apan walay mosulti unsa ang mosurop sa pantalan" (They say the boats carry cargo, but no one says what will sink in the port). This highlights the mystery of what is left behind or lost.
Return and Permanence
Each departure deepens the stakes: "Matag pagbiya nagpalalom sa mga estaka" (Each departure deepens the stakes). Yet, the poem concludes with a sense of inevitability: "Mobalik ang tubig kay ing-ana man gyod. Ang pantalan magpabilin" (The water returns because that is how it is. The port will remain).
