A powerful and evocative piece of contemporary Cebuano poetry has surfaced, offering a raw and visceral glimpse into the depths of personal anguish and the search for peace. Penned by Arianne Joyce B. Romaguera and originating from the coastal town of El Pardo, Boljoon, Cebu, the work uses stark, compelling imagery to articulate a profound emotional struggle.
The Imagery of Confinement and Escape
The poem's speaker immediately presents a striking metaphor for their desolation. Rather than face the pain of "yesterday," the voice prefers the stark isolation of a cardboard box, making a home within its four corners. This self-imposed exile is further emphasized by the description of a closet sealed with Scotch tape and cast into a corner, neighbored only by termites and moths.
This theme of seeking utter removal from the source of pain escalates. The speaker entertains the drastic thought of being sealed in a jar and thrown into the sea. The desire is for the waves to carry them far from shore, so they might no longer witness the fury of a loved one directed at them.
Finding Solace in the Depths and the Cosmos
In the ocean's depths, the poem envisions a strange catharsis. The speaker imagines confessing their heart's bitterness to the marine life—the fish and turtles—hoping that by slowly sharing the burden, the weight of their sorrow might lighten and their wounds find comfort.
Another path to peace is envisioned through transformation. The voice wishes to become a stone, tossed into the deep, where they might finally meet the stars and ask for shelter. This celestial imagery contrasts sharply with the earlier confinement, suggesting a longing for a permanent, quiet existence within the vastness of the universe, away from human turmoil.
A Lingering Hope for Reconciliation
Despite the overwhelming themes of escape, the poem concludes with a fragile thread of hope. The speaker expresses a desire to resemble the scattered letters released by the beloved, hoping to be gathered back together and presented anew. The ultimate wish is for the beloved's rage to be replaced by forgiveness, indicating that the core of the anguish is not a wish to disappear, but a deep yearning for repaired connection and healing.
This piece, shared publicly, stands as a significant example of how modern Filipino literature continues to tackle universal human emotions with unique cultural and linguistic resonance. The use of Cebuano adds a layer of authentic local texture to the exploration of grief, making it a poignant read for a wide audience.
