The Roses Metaphor*

The Roses Metaphor*

Dalaga ay parang rosas [8]
Bumabango 'pag namumukadkad [10]
Habang hinahagkan ng araw [9]
Lalong gumaganda ang kulay. [9]

(1)

A woman much mimics roses

She wafts her fragrance, in blooming blushes

The more she takes the sun’s caresses

The stronger her sun tan seduces

At ang ngumingiting talulot [9]
Nilalapitan ng mga bubuyog [11]
Ang mutyang iyong nililiyag [9]
Ay tulad din pala ng rosas. [9]

(2)

And all the smiling buds’ seduction

Invites the thirsty prairie bees attraction

Your sweetheart of votive affection

Proudly sports the rose bud’s’ temptation

Kahit na umula't kumidlat [9]
Kay ganda rin ng rosas [7]
Lalong sumasariwa [7]
Sa tubig ng paglingap. [7]

(3)

Storms with lightning and thunder may rant

The rose maintains its bearing

It blooms most freshly verdant

Through drinking true love’s caring

Nguni't pag binagyo't inunos [9]
Ang rosas ng pag-irog [7]
Sawi ang pagsusuyong [7]
Nilanta nang paglimot. [7]

(4)

But if drenched in torrential typhoon

The roses of affection

Replete of ill emotion

Fall wilted in oblivion

Ganyan din ang dalagang [7]
Sawi sa kanyang irog. [7]

(5)

Such is the maiden forlorn

By her one true love forsworn

==|==

*English rendition based on the Pilita Corales Tagalog variation of the Bisayan folk song “Rosas Pandan.”  The lyrics are sung to the melody of the video clip below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CKlDLBd4c&src_vid=2sUJSJS6Qv4&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_647709063