kabilang buhay

Now I speak of distance:
How distant the sky is
from where I am
and how color transforms
in angles of gaze
when bashful doves display
some coordinated show in the air.

Now I speak of distance:
How far these eyes can reach
the moon of the farthest mosque
from where I stand and bury afterwards
every drop of longings
in this hallowed ground
too unholy to claim mine, nor ours. 

Now I speak of distance:
How we are separated
by space from staring together
at the eastern star;
Now I speak of distance:
How I miss your lips like when
we share the same cup of mocha valencia. 

Now I speak of distance:
Your absence in early mornings.
Your text messages that remind me
to love, to care, to laugh in each time of the day.
Now I speak more than just the distance
but of jannah – the comfort of just being with you
amid the disturbed night of the metro.

jannah- Islamic word for paradise/heaven