Why Birds Fly by Simeon Dumdum, Jr.
Why Birds Fly
Simeon Dumdum, Jr.Because birds will show only
the side
that you’re not looking atAnd you won’t close
your eyesBecause you want
a feather in your cap
MARGINALIA
I feel myself getting distracted more and more these days. Like I’m never really there. For example, today: I suppose I started out by sitting at my desk as usual, intent on getting back to work. Hours passed. Afternoon, and I am in the same place but felt like asking, what happened? Where have I been? Why is nothing done? I look at my hands but I don’t really see them. I look at myself in the mirror and felt the edges blurring.
—
I am leaving again. It seems I am always leaving. This time last year the thought of you kept me moored. I keep leaving and I never really knew if you would follow but you always seem to find me and bring me back. Now I am alone, and I am not sure if my letters are finding their way to you, if they make you feel loved. Sometimes I can’t even remember your face.
—
I feel myself getting distracted more and more these days. I need to finish things. Maybe make an anchor for myself so I don’t stray too far if I can’t help but leave. Moving without leaving. Leaving without moving. Those were my first lover’s favourite words.
KEEP READING
SHARED WITH GRATITUDE
This poem appeared in Thirld World Opera by Simeon Dumdum, Jr., published by New Day Publishers, 1987. (Available on: Amazon • Bookshop)
ABOUT SIMEON DUMDUM, JR.
Simeon Dumdum, Jr was a Regional Trial Court Executive Judge in Cebu City for 15 years and retired in 2015. A multi-awarded poet and essayist, he has several books, including Ah, Wilderness! A Journey through Sacred Time, which won the Manila Critics Circle’s 2009 National Book Award for Nonfiction, If I Write You this Poem, Will You Make It Fly, 2010 National Book Award for Poetry, To the Evening Star (2013), Eighty-Four Words for Sorrow (2014) and The Poet Learns to Dance (The Dancer… (more)
Read more poems by Simeon Dumdum, Jr. • Find books by this poet on Amazon • Bookshop • Follow on Instagram • Or view my library
ENDNOTES
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sillysili
“Moving without leaving. Leaving without moving.”
Beautiful line. I’m currently experiencing something close to the quote. Thanks for sharing. 😀
K
Your words, as in this post, are even better poetry.
A.
i miss you. i hope you are doing well, wherever you have gone.
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