Faith, it is said, is only known after it is sorely tested. It is in the ordinary and everyday experiences of this nation of sore tests that Louie Jon Sanchez couches his latest volume of poetry, “Siwang sa Pinto ng Tabernakulo” .
There is a spareness to Sanchez’s use of Filipino that appeals, and makes his work accessible to the same people from whom the inspiration for this book seems to be drawn. His rhythm in this book is the rhythm of trains running across cities, counterpointed by the sharp delivery of broadcast news. There is the staccato of construction workers’ hammers toiling into the ebbing of daylight, and the slow drip of sweat from workers’ brows.
The poetry appeals for its lack of hubris, but may, at times, push the card of divinity-seeking to the edge of the page. In the latter, one sees the apt metaphor for just how far the Ordinary Juan has to push, just to get through the day with body still joined to soul.From the poem “Pasasalamat,” Sanchez draws out the intermingled weariness and relief of finishing a postgraduate degree: “Ang pagkakasakit sa pagtuldok ng disertasyon,/ Makapagmartsa lang sa pagtatapos.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.