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Surviving the Urban Night: Exploring the Resilience of Pagpag in Manila's Shadows
Unveiling the Stories of Struggle, Hope, and Survival in the Heart of the City
In Manila’s heart, where shadows waltz,
Beneath the city’s gaze, in somber exalt,
A tale unfurls of hunger’s fight,
In the urban labyrinth of night.
From opulent stalls to hands so bare,
Pagpag whispers tales of despair,
A feast reborn from scraps so cold,
In the midst of stories left untold.
Children's laughter, mothers’ tears,
In alleys veiled by shadowed fears,
They gather remnants of lavish feasts,
Crafting sustenance from the meager beasts.
A cycle spawned from poverty’s grip,
Where echoes in the streets doth slip,
Yet amidst adversity, life prevails,
A spirit unyielding, it never fails.
For in the twilight, hope takes flight,
In eyes that gleam with resilient light,
A heart’s endurance, steadfast and true,
In every morsel, dreams renew.
Pagpag, emblem of survival’s grace,
A repast forged in the darkest space,
Yet through the trials, a glimmer beams,
In every meal, a silent dream.
May dawn herald change, an end to strife,
Where no one hungers in this life,
But feasts with honor, no longer dire,
On fare divine, with hearts afire.
About the Creator
Dr. Jason Benskin
I am a dedicated writer whose work delves into the depths of human emotion and experience with a unique voice and an eye for detail.
My goal is to craft writing that resonate with readers on a profound level.
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Comments (3)
Very amazing poem! Teaching us to be more grateful 🙏
Very well written poem! 👏 thanks for sharing 👏
Nice poem, it's packed with facts of real life. Great job Jason.