There was an execution tonight
On the hood of a jeepney.
It was of a crazy woman.

There was no blood, just eyeballs
and entrails wound around two wheels.
Maybe a fingernail embedded in rubber.

That was all. No one cried
though there was plenty of water
Under the bridge.

The executioner didn't even blink when the scyth fell.
Maybe it was just as well.
The screech of reprieve didn't come.

Tomorrow the platform will be
shining stainless again. The doors
keep revolving. The wheels keep turning.

The road goes on for the riders
and the damned sitting on wooden benches,
patient for their turn at getting home.


Copyright 2011 Cristina Cheng