Bowing in the Sun

Mike Angelo A. Aloba

The life of a farmer is dirty sleeves and pants,

suffering feet and calloused hands.

But the life of a farmer is also a gift.

Human life depends on their indefatigable hands.

As Amorsolo’s Rice Planting portrays:

On a bright, sunny, and peaceful day

Filipino farmers both man and a woman,

gathered with a shine on their faces.

They plant rice together in their pastoral idyll.

Wearing brown and round sun hats,

bowing constantly.

Surrounded with greenish fields, brittle grasses.

A nipa hut symbolizing a shelter,

presenting its thatched built.

Besides hard brushstrokes of tall, dark, and leafy trees.

Standing still with roofs rough.

Patiently waiting, excited for a visit.

Hearing water splashes and rustling sound of leaves.

A farmer plough,

walking in straight path.

With black carabao, it obediently roams.

Though other sows seeing their reflections.

Through smooth waters beneath,

watching their hands full of dirt.

While clouds like cottons continue to pass

in an ocean of blue sky at peace.

They ease the heat; they ease the pain.

They labor cheerfully even though it is never easy.

It was never easy,

to bow in the sun constantly.

With pains on their back,

carrying the burdens of a hungry.

In a world where social injustices prevail,

who can blame them to be weary?