A poem titled 'Balak' reflects on shared moments and footsteps on a carpet of fallen leaves in Mabolo, Cebu City.
The Carpet of Leaves
The poem begins with the image of a carpet made from fallen leaves, trampled underfoot. It speaks of the steps taken together, eating pancit in Visayan, talking softly, slowly easing hunger, and savoring the sweetness of smiles.
Memories of Rain and Arguments
The poet asks if the reader remembers being chased in the rain during an argument, questioning what they were fighting about. The steps are accompanied by various colors and shades, like fallen leaves: giggles, teasing, laughter, sighs, and silence.
Measuring the Path
The fragments of light and shadow measure the path they walked together. The journey continues from the stage of falling leaves to blooming, and the rhythm of their footsteps sings along the path they have traversed.
