Devin Cabanilla
Bellevue
Manong’s Filipino Gospel Mission from King St to Weller St
Enduring bricks glow red,
Ragsak in evening sun.
Vast windows in blue prayers,
an ocean friendship rung.
Count years back: 2023, 1951, ‘35, ‘29
“Manong! Aggado kami pay!”
Guitars laugh on King and off Weller.
Cigar memories float by, like vinegar squid.
Mahjong tiles crack in splendor.
Elders to kids.
Elder Brother’s Filipino Gospel Mission from King St to Weller St
Enduring bricks glow red,
Ragsak in evening sun.
Vast windows in blue prayers,
an ocean friendship rung.
Count years back: 2023, 1951, ‘35, ‘29
“Elder brother! There’s many of us still!”
Guitars laugh on King and off Weller.
Cigar memories float by, like vinegar squid.
Mahjong tiles crack in splendor.
Elders to kids.
Original language: Ilocano
Translated by: Poet
Translated by: Poet
Photo by: Timothy Aguero Photography