1.

In the Twilight Rain

In the twilight rain

these brilliant-hued hibiscus . . .
A lovely sunset
-Matsuo Basho

Theme: The theme emphasizes the ephemeral beauty of nature and the appreciation of the
present moment.

Language: The language is evocative and sensory with vivid imagery of the hibiscus flowers
and the setting sun. The choice of words by the author allows the readers to experience the
beauty of the scene.

Structure: Haiku (5-7-5)

Context: Basho describes the presence of brilliant-hued hibiscus flowers in the setting, which
adds a touch of vibrant color to the scene. Despite the rain, the beauty of the hibiscus flowers
stands out, creating a contrast against the gray and damp surroundings.

Sound and Rhythm: Each line consists of five, seven, and five syllables. In terms of sound, the
poem incorporates natural elements and sensory imagery. The words "twilight rain", "brilliant-
hued hibiscus", and "lovely sunset" evoke a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

2.
Waves of Summer Grass

Waves of summer grass:

All that remains of soldiers’
Impossible dreams.
-Matsuo Basho

Theme: The poem reflects on the aftermath of war and the fleeting nature of life.

Structure: Haiku (5-7-5)

Language: The language is simple yet powerful, conveying a deep meaning in just a few words.
It is also evocative.

Context: The poem tackles the aftermath of a war, where once vibrant and lively soldiers have
now passed away, leaving only the wave of summer grass as a reminder of their presence.
Sound and Rhythm: The poem has a contemplative and somber sound and rhythm. In terms of
sound, the poem incorporates soft and gentle sounds. The repetition of the 's' sound in "Waves
of Summer Grass" creates a soothing and flowing effect. The use of alliteration on the other
hand adds a melodic quality to the poem.

3.
Her Piano

There are days she polishes the case

to a mirroring tool, yet never sees
her own reflection, only the brilliance
of a walnut face where too many ghosts

have gathered? She admires the frayed bench;

horse hair poking through; an unlikely box of music
rolled away for safekeeping where fingered keys
once pressed with exaltation and graced

the room to a sympathetic vibration

from cross-stinging glory. She’s hostage to the fever
where simpatico is addictive, her halleluiah
haven; a place she remembers lost harmonies

that trembled through the harp with pedals

pushed beneath her feet as the weight of her body
shifted into a rhapsody of days gone by
that echoed the nightbird's song

and swallowed wing-beats like tinseled stars

in a flickering frenzy all the way from heaven
and back. If she shared her innermost secrets,
she’d tell you how she imagines lying naked

on the hammer and strings until the action’s

completely immobilized, hitch pins locked
from the weight of years, she can’t forget
88 levers of ivory and wood pounding unforgettably

into beautiful madness like a bridge between

all things near and far, her heart a collectible;
a piece of vintage art.
- Carol Lynn Grellas
Theme: The theme of the poem is the deep emotional connection and attachment to a piano
and the memories and emotions associated with it.

Structure: Free Verse

Language: The language used in the poem is rich in imagery and metaphorical expressions,
creating a vivid and evocative portrayal of the speaker's relationship with the piano. The
language is descriptive and sensory, appealing to the reader's imagination and emotions.

Context: The context of the poem revolves around the speaker's deep emotional connection
with the piano. The speaker describes moments of polishing the piano case, highlighting the
external beauty and brilliance of the instrument. However, there is a sense of detachment as
the speaker never sees her own reflection in the piano, emphasizing the focus on the external
rather than the internal.

Sound and Rhythm: The poem has a flowing and melodic sound
achieved through the use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition. The poem also includes
enjambment where the line continues onto the next line without punctuation. This technique
creates a sense of movement and fluidity.

4.
Tagapagligtas

Guns and bullets.

Destroy dreams Of a kid who lost a father,
A son to a mother,
And a love to be surrendered.
Body laid on the ground,
Lifeless,
Covered with his own blood.
Poured in his land.
Serving
Peace,
For us to sleep,
At ease.
Their life,
Dreams,
And sacrifice.
Is enough.
Their battle,
Will never be won,
When we always think,
For our own instead of our nation.
Filipino ,
**** Filipino?
Where is the love and peace,
Mga kababayan ko? (My countrymen)
Tagapagligtas naming sundalo(soldier),
You're a hero,
In the heart of every Filipino.
Remembering you.
- Mac Azanes

Theme: The theme of the poem revolves around the devastating impact of violence and war on
individuals. It also explores the idea of sacrifice and bravery of the soldiers.

Structure: Free Verse

Language: The language used in the poem is direct, emotive, and evocative, conveying the
devastating impact of violence and war on individuals and society. The language is simple yet
powerful, allowing the emotions to take center stage.

Context: It highlights the loss, grief, and sacrifice experienced by those affected by armed
conflict calls for unity and peace among Filipinos, and pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the
soldiers in the pursuit of a better nation.

Sound and Rhythm: The poem begins with a strong and abrupt opening line "Guns and bullets,"
which sets the tone of urgency and intensity. The repetition of the "d" sound in "destroy dreams"
and "lost a father" creates a rhythmic and somber effect. The poem continues with short,
concise lines that create a sense of pause and emphasis. The repetition of single words or
phrases, such as "lifeless" and "covered with his own blood," adds to the rhythmic quality and
emphasizes the starkness of the imagery.

5.
A Dying Filipino Breed
“Being a farmer is like being a priest;
you take a vow of poverty
and make a pact with the Lord
that no typhoon will come
and destroy your crops.”
In the rise of sedentary human civilization,
The nation’s agriculture
Became the key expansion.
Its history dates back thousands of years,
With its development,
Has been driven and defined –
By different climates, cultures, and technologies.
The Filipino farmers:
Are they now a dying breed?
Number of small farms has dwindled,
With workers opting for city life.
But this trend could exacerbate food insecurity!
Yes, in an import-dependent country –
Already struggling to meet current food demand.
In the face of growing losses,
And from volatile weather,
To new-fangled farming tech,
Limited education makes them less receptive.
What took such a toll on the agricultural sector?
Maybe the farmers themselves,
The investors, the buyers – maybe.
Now, it’s due to the government policies,
Our programs are good, yet so weak.
There’s excessive reliance on agricultural imports,
And corruption on the upper level.
Compounding the problem
Is a younger generation –
Largely, leaving rural areas nationwide,
And depleting the pool of potential agricultural workers.
They say it’s too late to do something;
But the mindset of the younger generation
Still we can change
And make farming appealing once again
-The Poetic Architect

Theme: The theme of the poem talks about the challenges and changes faced by Filipino
farmers and the importance of preserving and revitalizing the agricultural sector.

Structure: Free Verse

Language: The language used in the poem is straightforward and accessible, conveying the
challenges and concerns surrounding the Filipino farmers and the agricultural sector.

Context: It highlights the historical significance of agriculture in the rise of sedentary human
civilization and its role as a key expansion for the nation. The poem raises the question of
whether Filipino farmers are now a dying breed, noting the dwindling number of small farms and
the trend of workers opting for city life. It acknowledges the potential consequences of this
trend, particularly in an import-dependent country already struggling to meet food demand,
which could exacerbate food insecurity.

Sound and Rhythm: It highlights the historical significance of agriculture in the rise of sedentary
human civilization and its role as a key expansion for the nation. The poem raises the question
of whether Filipino farmers are now a dying breed, noting the dwindling number of small farms
and the trend of workers opting for city life. It acknowledges the potential consequences of this
trend, particularly in an import-dependent country already struggling to meet food demand,
which could exacerbate food insecurity.