Paolo Gerero (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Daet, Camarines Norte, where they currently live. In 2019, several of their literary works were published in the BKL Bikol/Bakla Anthology of Gay/Trans/Queer Writing (Sumayao & Jacobo). Their play “Apoy sa Altar" was staged by Sining Banwa in the same year. In 2020, their presentation "Pag-Ukit ng Espasyo para sa Sining sa Camarines Norte'' was broadcasted in Pagsurat Bikol VI (NCCA & CNSC). They are actively practicing as a sculptor of santos and a contemporary painter, with their works exhibited in various platforms since 2012. (Author photo by Renz Lardizabal)
Binurudbod ko sa kabatagan An garapon nin abo. Nagtatangis an langit mantang Nakisumaro sa daga An dating nag-aataman digdi. Dae lamang niya pighalat na magbunga An puon na dikit mi nang marunot Kaidtong primerang namidbidan Nin latundan an saba. Hahalaton na lang mahimtong. Dae man kasing namit kan nakatuodan, Kakarakanon gabos. Dae ka na masusuhay sakuya liwat.
Kabatagan (Sagingan)
salin ng may-akda
Ibinudbod ko sa sagingan Ang garapon ng abo. Tumatangis ang langit habang Naging kaisa ng lupa ang dating Nag-aalaga dito. Di man lang niya hinintay na magbunga Ang punong muntik na naming madurog Noong unang nagkita Ang latundan at ang saba. Hihintayin ko na lang mahinog. Hindi man kasing sarap ng nakasanayan, Kakainin lahat. Hindi ka na maawawalay sa akin ulit.
Kabatagan (Banana Grove)
translation by author
Into the banana grove I sprinkled The urn of ashes. Heaven wept As the earth became one With he who once tended it. He did not even wait for the fruit Of the tree we almost crushed When for the first time The latundan met the saba. I shall wait for ripening, then. Even if it does not taste the same as that which I loved, I shall consume. Never again shall you be taken from me.