Jose Maria Sison, June 1981


The forest is still enchantedNakakabighani pa ang gubat
The fickle-minded spirits and fairies
Have fled the old trees and groves,
Dark caves and mounds in the shadows,
Mossy rocks and whispering streams.
The gnarled balete and the blackbird
Have lost their intriguing power.

The uncertainties of the past ages
No longer lurk to exact awe and fear.
In the forest throbs discreetly
A certainty above the certainties
Of chopping wood, hunting boar and deer,
Gathering fruits, honey and even orchids.

But the forest is still enchanted.
There is a new hymn in the wind;
There is a new magic in the dark green,
So the peasant folks say to friends.
A single fighting spirit has taken over
To lure in and astonish the intruders.

Lumayas na ang mga sumpunging anito at diwata
Mula sa matatandang puno at sukal,
Madidilim na yungib at puntod sa mga lilim,
Malulumot na bato at nagsisibulong na sapa.
Nawalan na ng katakatakang kapangyarihan
Ang bukubukong mga balete at mga uwak.

Ang kawalang-tiyak ng sinaunang mga panahon
Ay hindi na makapanggulat at makapanakot.
Maingat na pumipintig sa gubat
Ang katiyakan sa ibabaw ng mga katiyakan
Ng pagputol ng kahoy, pangangaso
Pag-ani ng mga prutas, pulot-gata at orkidiya.

Subalit nakakabighani pa rin ang gubat
Bagong himig ang nasa hangin
Bagong hiwaga ang nasa malalim na luntian,
Sabi ng mga magsasaka sa kanilang mga kaibigan.
Nananaig ang iisang mapanlabang diwa
Para bitagin at gulatin ang mga nanghihimasok.


The forest is still enchanted

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