LADY ANNE

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.