ERNESTO P. SANTIAGO

 

In Human Skin

 

But worry not – I will never go anywhere

without you. Tell me, do you prefer to walk

from glory to grief, alone or with friends?

I am coming soon. I am a cosmic life coach

and I only make decisions in my own way,

unless I change my mind. You are kissed by

the sacred breath, your mindset is restored in

the shape of wind and spirit. In consequence

your mind's eye has no limits, no boundaries,

but it does not mean that you deserve special

privileges or treatment. Indeed, I know what

you did! But why did you do it? Is it because

a lot of souls in your back? Feeling entitled,

your narcissistic way, to misuse the splendor

of trust that is essential to socialhood. Does it

keep your spirit more stable? How powerful

and victorious it must feel to be like looking

down on others climbing life! Are they of sly

Sisyphus doomed to never reach the glorious

apex of sublimity? Your ego, your cleverness

should have made you absolutely resplendent

for the matchless touch, including your hand

in the pocket of hospitality, just to raise funds

for your every whim and caprice. Know that

I am Karma and I am real. You cannot escape

my reactions to your actions, it is about time

for a recheck. My faith is yearning for clarity.

 

The Man Of God Who Believes He Is God

 

I refuse to admit

that you are a smug, at least that’s what

I’d like to believe.

You look fresh everyday

like a waking dawn,

but if the promised land existed

the one you feed would not ever go there;

if you’ve got a free soul

you can start to turn away

from irrational tendencies.

Why tempt me into

the madness of knowing

“I am the door” and the seven “I am”

in the Gospel of John,

if you know yourself the least?

Try to listen to my wound,

it is the voice within my inner light.

I hope for a future

where I would achieve life,

where I am truly loved

rather than being an option.

O self-righteous,

stare at yourself in your mirror,

dig deep so you understand the intended

colour of Isaiah 65:5 . . .

 

Fragile Ego

 

Subconsciously

I depend on what you say

to feel safe.

But I don’t know

to what extent your “self-interest only”

controls me.

Why engage my thoughts

in your claim of wolfish desire?

Come and take me

to uproot lust that feeds you.

I do not hide

from myself, but live my act

in my own shadow.

Knowledge of the self,

it just needs total intention,

to find peace.

I constantly make moves

and take charge like a river

to a welcoming sea.

Envy not my freedom—

to feel me, love is necessary.

With you, I am all

alone and corrupt.

Alone with myself, I am blessed—

simple and natural.

Life wins, bigotry and love

not mixed!

 

ERNESTO P. SANTIAGO

 

ERNESTO P. SANTIAGO for a long time had believed that poetry is his flowing (es)cape to a higher understanding of the wor(l)d. He spends all his free time between here and there, trying to learn something. He is too small for his ego. He is enough for himself. As a poet the shape of words interests him. He is fully confident in his identity with a Filipino heart. He lives in Athens, Greece, and is inspired daily by the myth of his poetic senses.