Ayala Lights
Across and beyond the eye’s stretch,
Sight lavishes on the feast-a-flicker;
Thousands are caught in my mind, dancing;
And I dance in thought like a child
Wanting to feel a star rest on my palm;
Gently I shall squeeze and rub once more.
Inside my head are images and colors parading;
I needn’t speak it – these eyes shout out
How amusing! Smiling and basking in the delight,
I succumbed to the splendor to rest my burdened spirit ;
These lights of the city’s might are a beacon,
While I toil and skin is scratched, hurt.
To see them shine upon the long path home
Warms the heart, cold of un-leisured life;
It calls on me every night and whispers hope;
Extends sympathy and hope that waiting ends here;
That the day these road-stars hail, will fill the void;
Yes, tomorrow’s different – starlights are brighter.
- ggv
***
I composed this on Nov. 17, 1997 while walking along Ayala Avenue and feeling like a child (the words were in my head and I just jotted them down when I got home).
That was the time when it was only in Makati that the Christmas light displays were really grand (along the avenue, inside the stores, on building facades).
After a really tiring day, the night lights made me feel relieved and hopeful. 
