Intention manifests: Reached goal of targeting deliberate action
Ronan Lingatong
Maslug, Baybay City, Leyte
Listen up, folks!
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We ain't sellin'
no hair here
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No fake boobs
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No fashion accessories
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No knives
But grab a chair and get comfortable
As we sit under the moon's glow
We've gathered here
We've laid out our hands
The dog's barking out back
In a corner of Leyte, there lives a poet named Ronan Lingatong. Based on two poems he's had published in SunStar's Superbalita Cebu section, it's clear he's got some heavy themes on his mind.
The first poem, "Kadtong higayon nga nagkasinabot ta" published on April 30, 2025, delves into the realm of physical and emotional imperfection. Using vivid imagery, he shares his thoughts on just how mismatched we all may be ("We ain't got no regular hair... We ain't no plastic boobs... We ain't no fashion accessories"). Yet, he emphasizes that despite our quirks and flaws, relationships persist ("We've gathered here... We've laid out our hands").
The second poem, "Dili tanang naanod nakalintan og saog" published on April 16, 2025, employs maritime metaphors to convey themes of confinement and freedom. Using imagery of tied mangrove roots ("the lambayong nga mibugkos"), he describes five years spent bound ("We've been stuck in a rut"). Yet, he concludes with a hopeful note, chanting, "Your raft and outrigger are now free."
In these pieces, Lingatong seems to contemplate human limitations and freedom, using powerful natural imagery that transcends translation. Even without direct English translations, the meanings behind his verses resonate. Keep an eye out for more poetry from this gutsy Filipino wordsmith!
- Ronan Lingatong, a poet from Maslug, Baybay City, Leyte, has published two thought-provoking poems in SunStar's Superbalita Cebu section.
- In his first poem, "Kadtong higayon nga nagkasinabot ta", published on April 30, 2025, Lingatong weaves imaginative language to express themes of physical and emotional imperfection, comparing his subjects to irregular hair, non-plastic boobs, and fashion accessories.
- In the second poem, "Dili tanang naanod nakalintan og saog" published on April 16, 2025, Lingatong uses maritime metaphors to convey ideas of confinement and freedom, touching upon the image of mangrove roots tied in a rut.
- In line with his contemplation of human limitations and freedom, Lingatong's powerful, evocative verses transcend language barriers, resonating without direct English translations.
