One seed at a time

the scent of mangoes

the pulpness of lanzones

the headiness of chicos

the succulence of jackfruit

invades us

silent yet swift

we climb higher

inhale   exhale   deeper

I see blood  flowing

as flagellants faint

in hot sun,

paramedics panic

life is a blur

as Holy Week howls

our carabaos cry

kneel  in prayer…

the stickiness of rice

rhe slipperiness of okra

slide through my tongue

Mother says

“Eat your meal

Clean your soul”

as I swallow the revelry

exhale  inhale  deeper

taking in the mangoes

one seed at a time.