The Way We Live [Phil Lit TF 0900-1030]

THE WAY WE LIVE

(For Ted Nierras)

Danton Remoto

Bang the drum, baby,

let us roll tremors

of sound to wake

the Lord God of motion

sleeping under the skin.

Of choosing what to wear

this Saturday night:

cool, sexy black

or simply fuck-me red?

Should I gel my hair

or let it fall like water?

Of sitting on the sad

and beautiful face of James Dean

while listening to reggae

at Blue Café.

Of chatting with friends

at The Library

while Allan shimmers

with his sequins and wit.

Of listening to stories at Cine Café:

the first eye contact,

conversations glowing

in the night,

lips and fingers touching,

groping for each other’s loneliness.

Of driving home

under the flyover’s dark wings

(a blackout once again plunges

the city to darkness)

Summer’s thunder

lighting up the sky

oh heat thick

as desire

Then suddenly the rain:

finally falling

falling everywhere:

to let go, then,

to let go and to move on,

this is the way it seems

to be. Bang the drum, baby.

(1992)

REFLECTION:

The author is trying to show a lifestyle or a culture where the day comes alive at night. Living in the fast lane and knowing other people who do too. Getting intimacy from strangers, acquaintances, and maybe friends as well. Something without any strings attached where in you could move on again and again and from one partner to another as long as you like. The said poem gives a hint about the author’s lifestyle. It shows the bending og the norms, a culture where in there is no discrimination in gender but only the happy part of being free and the sadness of being alone.

Composed:

KEEP ON MOVING

Don Valdecañas

Keep on moving

Different places, different sights

Many people and new faces

Ideas to learn and express

Feelings to keep and share

Home sweet home

Hot food on the platter

Warm water for shower

Fresh and clean clothes

Loved ones and a soothing bed

The green school

New ideas and knowledge learned

Sharing and expressing thoughts

Familiar faces in casual and uniform

Books, notes and papers

That place called work

Bright lights and cool night breeze

Keyboard sound and the mouse were clicking

Quick huddles while others already started

Helping, serving and learning

My happy place

Walking hand-in-hand

A wonderful dinner

Sweet kisses and gentle cuddles

Deep breathe, her warm skin

Wanting and longing to stay longer

But I got to keep moving,

Round and round but at least

I keep on moving.

(2009)