FLOWER WOMAN

Plucked
from the ribs
of Adam
You came to life
inside the node
of the bamboo
Molded
in the midst
of mud that
is made of gold

Maria, Magdalena
and Mary Ann

You grew
out of the mystery
of the seed
in the rain,
you opened
and swayed
with the wind

Hibiscus, Santan
and Jasmine

Beautiful is the maiden
at seventeen
like fireflies
in the month
of December
Behold!
the fire
of the tree
at Fuente-
Woman

Picture is the author's own painting and the poem is a translation from Cebuano "Babayeng Bulak" published in the book "Haling".