Midterms

Tulay, Hindi Pader
Lamberto Antonio

Tulay, hindi pader ang gusto
mong ilagay para sa komunidad
pabayukin man ng trapiko ang tulay na ito.
Kubkob na tayo ng pader;
ang lansanga'y kinakain ng pribadong lote,
sinasarhan ang kanto, nagiging garahe ang alley.
Kahit isang dipa muna, sabi mo,
basta mapagsalubong at mapagdugtong
ang samutsaring plano, pangarap at opinyon.

Kakatig ang marami sa malambing
na pasubali mo sa pagiging makasarili.
Aasa rin siguro ang lahat:

Patuloy kang mananawagan, nakayapak,
at nakatindig sa ibabaw ng pader
na natatamnan ng masinsing boteng basag.

* * * * *

Instructions: Interpret the poem. By that I mean paraphrase (write each stanza in simpler terms) and explain what the poem is about. Remember that there is a literal and a figurative meaning. Also include other observations and comments you may have on specific passages (check out the last line).

Submission is on February 19, 2008 class time. I need a print out. This will count as the midterm exam. You may discuss it with your classmates but please don't submit the exact same thing. I will entertain questions re: this in class.