You bear witness to a lover’s promise
over the moonlight
in an early evening delight
as they made their vow
of eternal and faithful love
oh, how happy you seemed to be
as you show off your great character
and magnificent stature,
so picturesque, so attractive
you smile as lovers smile
over the complexities of love as you
you were the elegant backdrop
in every wedding proposals,
as the groom to be,
kneel before his beloved
longing for her hand
to seal their love eternally
you scream your silent hurray
as she says yes to the plea
you were there on their wedding day
on the baptism of their first child
on the first birthday
and even on a weekend family getaway
you were their safe haven
but time has changed
now you voiced your wrath away
over humanity’s indiscretion
and poor judgment
as you take on the final “I do”
while raging and smoldering
and yet then again, you never failed
to mesmerize, to amaze us
for yours is a true beauty
amidst being scary
Where will we be, without you now?
(Photos from Shutterstock.com)
Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located on Luzon island in the Philippines, in the province of Batangas. Taal is the second most active volcano in the Philippines, with 34 recorded historical eruptions, all of which were concentrated on Volcano Island, near the middle of Taal Lake. It has become one of the most iconic and picturesque views in the Philippines with people putting Taal on their “must visit” list. Tourists have also flooded over the years adding more income to the local tourism industry.
And because of its magnificent view, it has become a favorite spot for wedding proposals, pre-nuptial photo shoots, and even weddings itself. It is said to be a very romantic and quiet place ideal for a weekend getaway.
But the world was shocked when it erupted, unnoticed last Sunday, January 12, 2020. Evacuations have been immediately made and ashfalls have reached even as far as Metro Manila.
The air has reached its dangerous level warning that people were obliged to wear masks. Classes and works have been suspended and everyone where advised to stay at home especially those who are prone to lung problems such as asthma.
Photographs of the mesmerizing Taal Volcano have been flooding the internet these days. A true beauty despite its raging character.
In a tragedy like this, we are supposed to help the victims. But how is it that the most basic need to survive effects of volcanic eruption such as a simple face mask is sold in a ridiculous amount? Yes, face masks have been said to be sold ten times higher than its regular price or before the Taal Volcano eruption incident. This is a very sad truth. However, it is also worthy to note that individuals are handing out face masks for free.
To all the victims, our prayers and thoughts are with you …keep safe Philippines.
This is in response to the Friday fun prompt of Kate https://aroused.blog/2020/01/11/friday-fun-safety/
beautifully stated with great sensitivity Mich … yes nature always has two sides, the mesmerising beauty and the wrathful snap!
I pray more will sell or give masks at reasonable rates so that nobody is without. I have a hand made clothe one for when I’m in India and Nepal. The cities have such bad pollution and allows me to wash it frequently or even dampen it for relief.
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Thank you Kate..we also heard news of people making improvised masks, because apart from the price, some areas said to have run out of stocks.
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yes making them is a better solution! I have a pretty print 🙂
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😊😊😊
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A powerful poignant poem, Mich!
Thank you for this post. Such a scary and sad happening.
We will pray for the victims, their families, and their friends.
(((HUGS)))
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Thank yoy Carolyn…it would be great to pray for everyone in PH. 😊😊😊
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It is my honor to do so.
One of my favorite songs and singers…Marcelito Pomoy.
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Oh yeah he is a Filipino…and we are proud of him..he made it to the semis of AGT…🤗🤗🤗
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P.S. i am thrilled to know you too are watching this channel (wish 107.5)😀😀😀
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Praying for the those who have fallen victim of the volcanic eruption and shame on those making money at the expense of peoples lives.
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Thank you Nanette and really i dont understand how some people could capitalize on something at the expense of others who are already suffering.
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Some just cannot give at all. A face mask to help them breathe, their actions will come back on them.
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That is true Nanette..kate even said, aren’t we suppose to give it for free?
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Thank you so much Nanette😙
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So sensitively written, Mich. Just yesterday I was reading about Taal. Praying for everyone. 🙏🏼
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Thank you dear Punam..😊😊😊
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My pleasure, dear Mich. 🤗🤗
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😊😊😊
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Lovely and bittersweet words, Mich! Nature truly is awe-inspiring and dangerous, as well. It was reassuring to read that there’s kindness in the midst of greed. 🌺😷
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Thank you Rose. We pray that the raging Taal will cease soon. And yes there is still indeed kindness….😊😊😊
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Beautiful tribute , Michnav. Very heartfelt.
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Thank you Yassy..😊😊😊
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🤗
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Agreed!
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Oh, thank you😊
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you are welcome! 🙂
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❤️
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Oh, Mich, such a beautiful start , but such a dramatic finale, but that is the way of volcano’s too….. there’s so much tragedy in world at the moment……
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I agree Ivor..so much tragedy lately ..and we can only pray and hope that everything will be fine soon..
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Yes. Mich, we need some cheering up 😊🌏💙
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So tragic when people exploit suffering!
There were places here in Australia where stocks of masks have run out because of the fires. Very challenging times we are living in!
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That is so true and really sad as how some of these people can actually manage to capitalize the sufferings of others for their own welfare..😊
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It is really hard to fathom!
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Mich, the sight of the volcano eruption is awesome and mesmerising – and this is what we far away see. I love your poem, how you capture the volcano before this Sunday, the key role it has played in so many people’s lives, forever an integral part of their lives. Beautifully capturing its inherent peaceful self before the storm and devastation of eruption. I hope all are safe … a frightening and worrying time.
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Thank you Anika. It has been a really scary time in PH …and we can only pray that it will cease soon..and that we will only remember the beauty that it was before and how it has become a part of the most beautiful love stories.
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Nature is a tremendous force, the Phillipines has more than its share of natural disasters. But eventually, there is something good that comes in the wake of horror. Be safe. Your poetry hums a galant tune.
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Thank you Ellen..PH indeed has been through a lot in terms of natural calamities…
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Pati nga sa Pampanga abot yung ashfall, nagkakaubusan din ng mask
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Oh, that is sad ….we can only pray and hope it will end soon..🙇🙇🙇
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Your poem captured the majesty of nature and the way our lives are interwoven with our environment. Living in the shadow of a volcano is a risk many take… I hope everyone stays safe in uncertain times. And shame on those who would capitalize on the suffering of others! Kate is right that a multi-layer cloth mask is an essential – especially when it can be washed and reused…
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Thank you for adding your thoughts here. Ashfalls have been terrible as days go by especially for those who live close to the volcano.
This is a sad time for PH.
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Your poem’s gradual slide from peaceful beauty to terrible power was mesmerizing. We watched footage of the eruption on television. How intense and frightening. Wishing you cleansing winds, safety, and a quick recovery for all those impacted by the eruption. ❤
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Thank you Di for sharing your insights here..while people around the area wish for more winds, we fear still, with that, that ash fall will still have to fall somewhere where the wind blows and will eventually damage more properties and live.
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😦 Wishing you all the best.
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Sorry to hear about the eruption.
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🤗🤗🤗
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As always you will present us with a different and more Important view. People making money off others misfortune. A stunning mountain, but seems like it is communication with other parts of the world where humans are being unkind and nature is sending her message out loud and clear. My book Raw Earth would be something of interest to you. ❤️🌎💙
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Thank you Gina for saying that…maybe, i want people to see and view something froma and in a different perspective, because sometimes it is only by looking at different angles that we see things clearly, by then we can better our judgements. And yes i saw your book and i am planning to download it this week…will give you feedback as soon as i have read it..i am sure it is of relevance today..
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you are right, looking from different angles won’t give us a narrow view and also understand other’s point of view, very wise as always.
Thanks for downloading the book, I think you may have read a version of it before, the final books all have new additions though. Happy reading!
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😊😊😊
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I’ve been following this. My father’s family is from Lemery – they used to own property there and I remember going to Batangas as a small child. We haven’t been back in a long time. I fear when we do go back, the landscape will be very much changed. Filipinos are enterprising people however, that can also lead to some unscrupulous business practices. Your words about Taal really put into perspective the need for humans to respect of our natural world.
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Hi there Irma. Lemery is now part of the danger zone area as most parts have been evacuated due to some fissures.
I have heard from some friends back home that the local government has taken actions over stores selling face mask at a higher price. They were given notice of violations.
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What a powerful post Mich. I so hope you stay safe. Such a shame when people’s safety is second to profit.
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Thank you Bridgid and i suppose you’re back…😊😊😊
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I am indeed. I took a longer break as I needed more rest. Glad to be back.
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Loved this. It was hauntingly beautiful to read!
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Thank you so much..and for your visits always .
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Your beautiful poem expresses succinctly the terror and beauty of a volcano coming to life…we are hearing the same regarding concerns about the corona virus – masks are hard to come by and many are being sold at higher prices than normal. There are some very kind and generous souls who are gathering and buying these very items to send to China…I hope the ashfall has settled, Mich and thank you for bringing this tragedy to light.
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Thank you too for your comment Kim..
So many tragedies happening around the world today. We can only pray and hope that it will end soon. And at the same time take the necessary precaution.
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It’s rather frightening to contemplate…
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Hope all is well and you are busy enjoying the good in life. 🙂
Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing and leave you some
(((HUGS))) 🙂
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Been MIA Carolyn..and i am.happy to be back..thanks for the hugs always..
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I always miss you when you are away busy with life! 🙂 And want you to know you are thought of and wished well! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
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Natural tragedies take folks to extremes – those who take advantage and those who offer ‘free’ help. May the winds blow to clear the ash that you ‘all’ may breath safely again.
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It has been good so far lately Jules…but the effect of the eruption is something that people wil have to endure for a long time.
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Just like here when Mt. St. Helen’s unexpectedly blew her top!
“The Eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. On May 18, 1980, an earthquake struck below the north face of Mount St. Helens in Washington state, triggering the largest landslide in recorded history and a major volcanic eruption that scattered ash across a dozen states.May 18, 2015
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