People of the lake

By Virginia J. Pasalo

MARAWI’S old name “Dansalan” is derived from “dansal”, a destination point or a meeting place. It also means arrival or coming. That was how places were named in the past, much like Pangasinan (where salt is made) and Dagupan (meeting place).

Dansalan was officially created on 24 May 1907 as a municipality under an Act of the Moro Province Legislative Council. In 16 June 1956, an amendment renaming Dansalan to Marawi was passed. Marawi, the place and Meranao, the people are closely associated with “ranao”, (the lake) and the movement of the lake, “rawi”, a word which denotes the reclining of the underwater weeds as the Agus River flows downstream.

In solidarity with the Meranao, People of the Lake, who are now reclining with the undercurrents of socio-political and economic conflict, these poems are for you. It is also a lament for the land, and the creatures in it who equally suffer the devastation and desecration of Marawi as a result of the fighting. Praying for you!

 

Birds of Prey

hawks hawking

in Lanao Lake

the big fish feeding

on small fish

 

Ashes of Marawi

memories buried in a pyre

piercing the heart with a wire

wrapped bodies on a heap

dreams floating in the deep

 

Anisha’s cat

Snowbell, saved by the bell

she did not tell

what her nine lives foretell

will she find her way

to the old house to play

will her nose lead

will her heart bleed

if she ever finds her way?

 

Marawi lullaby

helicopters in the sky

drop, drop, dropping by

birds fall, muted cry

lull, lulla, lullaby, bye

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