Where is Your Orange Laughter?

After Pablo

So many days, oh so many days
like water droplets spilling from selfish hands
carrying more than what it can hold
what I could have changed 
if I had known there would be
less.
 
There is a gaping sadness is knowing there
is a beginning and end to all meetings,
and ours 
already past.
 
I return to you often,
in daydreams or
staring into empty space.
If I gaze at one spot long enough,
the fraying outline of your form
returns
for just one
moment.
 
What remains with me
the sound of your voice
the downbeat of your step
the light of your eyes
these more precious
and measureless as a kiss.

---

Keana Aguila Labra (she/her) is a Tagalog & Cebuana poet, feminist, writer, & advocate for Filipinx voices in the literary arts residing on unceded Ohlone territory. Knowing the importance of representation, she hopes to foster a creative safe space for Filipinx and marginalized communities with her online magazine, Marías at Sampaguitas. She taught a Q&A poetry workshop with Teen Belle Magazine and is slated to host book club sessions in June with Periwinkle Literary Magazine. Her micro-chapbook Natalie is forthcoming with Nightingale & Sparrow.