Philippine Journey 2009
by Virginia Jean Gow
Lady Anne was invited to Manila for breakfast,
Famous Anne, elegant Anne.
She flew in from Dubbo, for Peter’s birthday
Designer Peter, amusing Peter.
Peter is sixty; Lady Anne is much older,
But they have a shared history,
Have faded past glories.
Whispers of intrigue drew a curtain around them
Surrounding the Lady, who still held her style.
She wore her splendor tied with a ribbon in her hair.
Manila sparkled with renewed vigor
Welcomed the Lady back to her palaces.
We wandered the Casa, so steeped in history,
Where Spanish rule dominated for five hundred years.
We slid into shadows of Chinese Cemetery,
An unusual choice for a sixtieth celebration,
At walled Intramuros, that infamous prison
In the footsteps of Dr.Rizal we followed.
A party of difference,
We learned of rebellion and freedom’s dream.
We questioned the safety of riding a jeepna,
Especially one called “Chariot of God”.
It was a day to remember
A gossamer birthday
Peter is sixty; Lady Anne is much younger now.
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