(A Song for All the Little Sunshines)

In the outskirts of Manila 
In the barrio called Pasay 
The soldiers used to bogao 
Just the same as you and I. 
The dalagas used to gather 
By the banyan near the pool 
Where the carabao used to wallow 
And the behos used to drool. 
It was there that first I met her; 
Anacleto was her name; 
Dark she was, her hair was darker; 
Where she used to search for game. 
Four feet tall in red chinelas 
When she wasn't squatted down 
And she coyly shook the dirt off 
Of her peso cotton gown. 
But I left here there forever 
For I couldn't stand the strain. 
Thank gawd! I left Manila 
And my GuGu wife or twain!  Adios!

         TenEyck Van Deusen