From the Newspaper Stand

<>Along this foggy daybreak stroll,
I tread along the intersection
between Mabini Street and EDSA boulevard, 
crossing number 25 Ortigas Road.

I breathe in the same grain 
of Manila pollen and dust itching
my throat ; an acrid mound of city garbage
gathered by rain’s aftermath,
as if to beckon another tropical deluge;

and the loud chatter of headlines
from the newspaper stand pierces
the lobes with a burning jolt… a bundle 
of political scoops  and trade rumors
grating an otherwise neutral hour.

Few distances away, a flea market stand
vibrates with energy; pedestrians milling
around to check  buko pies, plum bits,
and homemade guava jams… the exotic aromas
mixing with  smoky flavor of dried bamboo leaves
on top of abaca wares; all these catering
to small pleasures of the low-middle working class.

Curving through Francis Square, a deluge
of movement initiates the 7 30 am rush…
buses, cars, and taxi- stands unload
a giant hive  of wayfarers coming from
different points of the map; dragging
their skeletal frames like ticks of a clock.

Amidst a Friday hub, I stop to glance at the
towering statue of  Mother Mary as a
cart-pusher slowly wanders by; his warm
smile bearing a contrast in a region
where the rat race of man is typical.

Surrounded by a collage of fragrant
eucalypti and mango trees, I breath in 
a  sense of delight  likened to my
yard’s garden, this time, with heady scent.
The plump oaks  at the front lobby
of Pharmo Industries are shedding 
foliage, while  a painted  splash
of native robins cruises from laced twigs,
far beyond the clutter of newspaper stands,
market place, and taxi-stands.
 
My gaze casts inward to balance my thoughts,
as I begin my protracted stay at work.



Stand Contest of Debbie Guzzi
and Nathan's One of Your Best
by nette onclaud

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012



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Date: 9/21/2012 4:37:00 PM
Truely EXCELLENT Nette! Congratulations on your amazing poem garnering top honors.
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Date: 9/20/2012 11:02:00 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Debbie Guzzi's contest Nette. Love, Carol
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Date: 9/19/2012 10:07:00 AM
Miss Nette, a wonderfully expressive write. I feel the beauty in these short pauses, yet the frustration so clear as well. It is from the look inwards that we define our perception of a look outwards. Balance is indeed vital, great emotional and descriptive poetry, loved it!
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Date: 9/17/2012 9:25:00 PM
Nette, this was fantastic. I remember when I was thinking of themes to do, it crossed my mind to do a poem about stands where people sell things. You chose well by making this about various ones. Congrats to you.
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Date: 9/17/2012 6:24:00 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this rich bit of your daily life..I bet you could start a novel with it! Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
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Date: 9/17/2012 3:55:00 PM
I feel like I am a part of that urban life...a good discriptive write, Nette. One love. Joy Wells
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Date: 9/16/2012 10:08:00 AM
describes every day life well especially in a city. I live out in the country. the only noises I hear are trash trucks.
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Date: 9/16/2012 5:15:00 AM
nette i worked with some girls from manila, when i lived in New Zealand, so reading this poem, was an unfolding of their tales they use to tell, i just love your "ticks of the clock" that is classical nette so wonderful just like you............
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Date: 9/15/2012 7:39:00 PM
This is such a wondrous write full of expression within the seams! You have some fantastic descriptions going on here my friend! I really enjoyed reading each and every line this evening! What a fantastical poem, one of a delightful sight down on this corner, a beautiful place in it's own right! I love this great piece, Awesome Work!!
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Date: 9/15/2012 5:06:00 PM
A very descriptive work.. I could imagine the scene..Thanks for the honor of placing in your contest and for the honor of you reading my work and commenting..Sara
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Date: 9/15/2012 4:51:00 PM
Wow!Great poem.Very descriptive and captivating!Best wishes.
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Date: 9/15/2012 4:49:00 PM
Yeahhhh!
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