BY THE SEA OR ON SWAMPY ROAD
By Leah C. Dancel
It was long ago in Pikalawag by the sea
Where our family lived from town far away;
Our school was in that town fenced in posts and wires
Its two-miles distance made a two- hours walk repeated twice.
There were only two ways to which we could commute.
Either we crossed the bridge over a putrid swamp - dark and remote
Or opt to walk by the shore and crossed the delta of a river,
Where crocodiles lurked and our life's at stake from unwanted danger.
On weekdays we heard the roosters' early morning song
And the dawning winked to herald that
a new day was born
They're our nature's clock that made us plough
The field of duty at home, where we obediently trod.
On sunny days we cared not much
Of what's on the road for the fun we had
By the shore on foot, the tide and waves were our only consort
Sometimes it's a lonely path to walk alone, on your own discomfort.
When weather turned sullen and hard rain came
With pelting drops and there's no shelter around
High winds swooped and dropped us to the ground;
We're soaking wet, tired and cried for no one was at the helm.
Reminiscing those days were incredible but true.
How we survived without transports to go.
No boat, no ship, no cars, no horse;
By the sea or swampy road were the only means to go.
On foot by the shore
On foot by the bridge
With cowing blackbirds above our head
And sniffing crocodiles beside.
My story lives for my posterity to ponder
How blessed they are to enjoy all these wonders
That modern times in them are paved
With everything of comfort they now live.
Copyright@July 9, 2021
All rights reserved
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Photo credit to Pikalawag Department of Tourism
