SILENT TRAILS

by Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion

Silent trails

Silent are the trails of Benguet hills,

When the mist veils the sun –

Even when the wind stirs the ferns

And the bamboo brakes sing

Their echoed murmurs.

And the laden Benguet women pass;

Beating their pakkongs*

In cadenced monotones.

Even so,

These trails are lonely...

And deep are the ravines,

And higher still the skies.