On the Fire That Razed Blocks 3 and 4 of the Baguio Public Market Night of March 11, 2023

It all began with a tiny spark That quickly grew to a roaring blaze; It’s flaming arms reaching every space Devouring all that in its path lay. It was close to midnight, who would’ve thought That the night would be pierced by this onslaught? Firefighters came and with all their might fought This treacherous foe, its destruction sought. So we stood and watched helpless on the side As the fire licked all of the merchandise And as embers flew, leaving things to dust, We clutched each other, said, “In God we trust.” What went up in smoke in that dreadful fire? It wasn’t just cash, for some it was life; A new home for a family of five, Or funds for the education of a child. We lament, therefore, this great tragedy That will surely live long in our memory But we will rise like a phoenix from its ashes For no tragedy shall bend us to our knees. March 16, 2023