Poem 'Panaghiusa' by Lamberto G. Ceballos from Cebu City
In the quiet moments of sleep, a voice vanishes, carried away by the wind on the wings of dreams. This is the evocative opening of the poem 'Panaghiusa' by Lamberto G. Ceballos, a resident of Basak-San Nicolas in Cebu City. The work, published on January 28, 2026, offers a profound exploration of beauty, nature, and inner peace through rich poetic language.
Vivid Imagery and Emotional Depth
The poem paints a stunning picture where the beloved's beauty is likened to a star in the sky, twinkling in the vast expanse of the heavens. It speaks of the moon spreading its gentle light across the world, creating a serene backdrop for the narrative. Despite the dreamlike state, the poet remains attuned to the raw sounds of nature.
- The rustling of bamboo in the grove
- The fierce rush of water in a long-forgotten spring
- The soothing whisper of the wind
- The rhythmic patter of rain on the mountainside
In this mountain setting, silence itself becomes a language of peace, echoing the tranquility that permeates the entire piece.
A Journey to Inner Calm
As the poem progresses, it delves into the personal experience of the speaker, who finds a deep sense of peace even in slumber. This peace is described as being swallowed or consumed by the act of sleeping, suggesting a complete immersion in serenity. Remarkably, this calm persists regardless of how far away the dawn might be, highlighting a timeless and enduring quality to the emotional state evoked.
The poem 'Panaghiusa' stands as a testament to the power of Filipino literary expression, blending natural elements with introspective themes. It captures the essence of Cebu City's cultural landscape through its focus on local imagery and universal emotions, making it a significant contribution to contemporary poetry in the region.
