We waited all day long
On the twenty-fourth
Unable to figure how our patience
Had carried us through to this day
From the painful countdown
That began on the second
When our bellies went empty.

In our lonely cells
We fancied our little blessings
Imagining how it's like
Beyond the guarded gates
To be in the midst of near and dear ones
Singing the same songs of hope
And marching against the winds of doom.

Through the layers of wire mesh
That divide us
Our children would ask questions
None of us wanted to hear
They would press for answers
That were best understood in silence
Or in white lies that must be said.

We won't be home this Christmas
The message is written clear
On the wall
The high and mighty wall
That would heed no protest carols
No tears from eyes that hunger
For salvation.

But someday
We shall be with you on a Christmas
To share the many untold stories
Long buried within walls and cages
That by then we shall have
Smashed to pieces.

December 1982

© Isagani R. Serrano