Gilon-Gilon (The Harvest)

Gilon-Gilon (The Harvest)

gas lamps planted
on cold 3 a.m. soil
footpaths lined
by children, open-mouthed
on their front-row seats
waist-deep, the men
breathe as one, pull
the net tightens
around bamboo poles;
the stage narrows
the show begins; a hundred
performers, in split-second
flight, arch, slightly
curve upward like a cup

brackish water drips
from silver-to-black
scales—angled
to catch the most
moonlight

the stage is lifted out
of the water; children
carry token baskets
home; in Calmay,
moonlight is served
at 5 a.m., fried

 

* "Gilon-Gilon" refers to bangus (milkfish) harvest in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines.