Buying Mangos in Escolta Street
written by: Robin McNamara
Under a tropical storm in Manila
I listen to the
“kee-kee-kee”
sound of the Collared Kingfisher as
my new lover, says,
“gusto kita”
I leave to fetch mangos under
the warm rain at the night market in Escolta Street.
As thunder cracks I think of fallen angels
before me —
breathing in the musk-scent nectar
of your body. That doll skin,
glowing with anticipation of the sex.
Before leaving for good, I’m all prayerful
on a Sunday morning in the church of Saint Anthony for the Abandoned
in Santa Ana, whispering confessions to gods, unseen by
the unbelievers & journey men.
I looked for a sign and I heard the words:
”Do not take a lover by the hand
& lead them to your river —
the water isn’t the same
as the ocean of promises you made.”
- Under Words - September 22, 2025
- Buying Mangos in Escolta Street - August 18, 2025
- Under a Milk Moon - May 5, 2025
