A Wandering Spirit - Visitor's Heartwords

by Verda D. Lagrada
(Bukidnon, Philippines)

Eight in the evening while going home from school,
I saw a child crying alone
"What's the matter, dear?" I asked
"My mother left me and said she'll never be back.”

So, I brought the child with me
While walking she said her name is Betty
Yet, all the time we were together
I couldn’t help myself to stop wondering

It seemed I looked crazy before the eyes of others
Some poked fun, some derided
Like once I knelt and held Betty in my arms
They said, “Nice holding the air” then laughed

So, I turned my head to Betty
She’s now in the middle of the highway!
How did she when she’s just in my arms?
“Look out!” I shouted then she’s hit by a car

Thought I was just dreaming tight
When the car just passed through her and
then she vanished in my sight
Yet before it happened she said in a while,
“Thanks for being a mother in a little time.”

Thinking ‘till the moon-shadow faded
I haven’t closed my eyes for a rest
It wasn’t hunger or imagination
It wasn’t headache or hallucination

Then as I listened ‘bout the news from a friend,
The confusion on last night’s unusualness ended
For Betty was an orphan little girl,
Died longing for the love of a mother.