I got lost more than once
in twisting streets
and made
turn after turn
to get back
to where I had
started
I traversed infinite rides
and compulsory walks
in alleyways bordered with houses
absurdly suspended in mid-air
trying politely not to stare
though windows
and invade the privacy of others
I stumbled upon several shops and establishments
were in Japanese, Korean but mostly the superior tongue
and I passed
people dressed in the mode of London fashion
in their Channel shades and Louis Vuitton bag
And when I was out of the center,
poverty met me
like a slap in the face,
the mere sight of the people
looked undernourished, children begging for alms
after “cleaning” your shoes
with their “immaculate” rag
not to mention
disabled beggars
in the doorways of churches
in Quiapo and Baclaran
Then,
I slowly open my eyes
and found myself
in the artificial icy air
that blasted my bones…