“Ciudadano Liner” an ngaran kan bus
nakasurat sa Old English sa enotan
na windshield. Kamo man mga pasahero
hipos na nakarulunad as the bus now
negotiates a slippery road going to Tapaz.
It’s cold and overcast kasi may low pressure
daa sa Panay Island tapos dinugangan pa
kan cold front. Ika man pasiring pa sana
sa office nindo sa kabilang ibayo,
some three towns from where you stay.
Local government unit na, far-flung pa.
The driver maneuvers the bus and drives
like there’s no tomorrow. Almost a year
into your new assignment, you have already
noticed how the bus driver in this sordid part
of the world literally drives you crazy.
Your six-wheeled carriage is running
as if a horde of bandits is chasing you
or kamo mismo an mga bandido carting away
your loot from a palace in a neighboring town.
Ano na naman daw an gigibohon
saimo kan mga dragon sa opisina nindo?
Magpaparabuga na naman nin kalayo an boss mo.
The self-declared king in your dungeon workplace
will again cite your habitual tardiness,
declaring to his vassals and serfs
your “barbaric” work ethic.
Bako lang ‘yan. Wawasiwason ka man
nin mga tsismis wala too kan mga kaopisina mo.
Nakikinagbuan ka man kayang iyan ki Beth,
an head teacher sa barrio, dawa na ngani
may agom ka na. O dawa na ngani may agom ka pa.
Nagdudungan kamo pag-uli. Last trip
sa bus paghapon. What can you say?
Bombshell in distress mo siya; dangan ika
man daa, an “night and shining armor” niya.
Well. Who cares? Excalibur mo, taisa na.
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