POEM: Pintada

She treks unchartered
territories
For the thrill
of first blood,
Slipping slowly
from the corner of her lip

She licks it
and uses it
for lipstick

Other times
She explores
conquered lands

And loots the gold
to buy fricolities
to drape on her body

Once she's chosen
She reels in her prey
with bliss
shrouded in roses
peonies and vanillas

She'll render you
helpless
with knowledgeable
chatter.


She'll trap you
with sinigang
caldereta, adobo
and mechado

She'll pounce on you
when you're asleep
and hungrily
claw on your skin
until nothing but
remnants of flesh
are left

The trouble is
you will
willingly
choose to stay
with the pintada,
foolishly believing
that
there
never
was
a war.