ZP_Parol Painting by Rafael Luna
José Corazón de Jesús (Huseng Batute) 1896-1932
“Ang Magandang Parol” (1928)
.
Isang papel itong ginawa ng lolo
may pula, may asul, may buntot sa dulo;
sa tuwing darating ang masayang Pasko
ang parol na ito’y makikita ninyo.
.
Sa aming bintana doon nakasabit
kung hipan ng hangi’y tatagi-tagilid,
at parang tao ring bago na ang bihis
at sinasalubong ang Paskong malamig.
.
Kung kami’y tutungo doon sa simbahan
ang parol ang aming siyang tagatanglaw,
at kung gabi namang malabo ang buwan
sa tapat ng parol doon ang laruan.
.
Kung aking hudyatin tanang kalaguyo,
mga kapwa bata ng pahat kong kuro,
ang aming hudyatan ay mapaghuhulo:
“Sa tapat ng lolo tayo maglalaro.”
.
Kaya nang mamatay ang lolo kong yaon,
sa bawat paghihip ng amihang simoy,
iyang nakasabit na naiwang parol
nariyan ang diwa noong aming ingkong.
.
Nasa kanyang kulay ang magandang nasa,
nasa kanyang ilaw ang dakilang diwa,
parang sinasabi ng isang matanda:
“Kung wala man ako’y tanglawan ang bata.”
ZP_José Corazón de Jesús_Huseng Batute_1896-1932
“The Beautiful Parol (Christmas Lantern)”:
a translation/interpretation by Carmelo Gorospe, with Alexander Best
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There was this one special kind of paper that Grandpa used,
and the Parol could be red or blue, and sometimes with a tail, too.
And now, every time Pasko (Christmas) comes around,
the Parol lantern can be found.
In every other window you’ll see one hanging,
and the wind blows it this way and that,
and each Parol is like a person with a new look that welcomes chilly Christmas!
On our way to church the Parol’s light was our guide in the darkness,
and when the moon might go behind a cloud, well,
the kids played beneath the Parol’s glow.
Whenever I give the sign to my friends, they remember, like all the kids did,
playing in front of Grandpa’s lantern light.
And, ever since he passed away…of course, each time a cool wind blows,
and the Parol sways,
it reminds me of him.
In Grandpa’s colours – such beautiful wishes.
In Grandpa’s light – such beautiful memories, as if saying:
“Though I’m no longer here, my Light will guide you, little ones!”
. . . . .
