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Surviving the Urban Night: Exploring the Resilience of Pagpag in Manila's Shadows

Unveiling the Stories of Struggle, Hope, and Survival in the Heart of the City

By Jason “Jay” BenskinPublished 2 years ago 1 min read
Photo Credit: https://worldofbuzz.com/poor-people-in-the-philippines-live-off-pagpag-a-dish-made-from-meat-found-at-dumpsites/

In Manila’s heart, where shadows waltz,

Beneath the city’s gaze, in somber exalt,

A tale unfurls of hunger’s fight,

In the urban labyrinth of night.

From opulent stalls to hands so bare,

Pagpag whispers tales of despair,

A feast reborn from scraps so cold,

In the midst of stories left untold.

Children's laughter, mothers’ tears,

In alleys veiled by shadowed fears,

They gather remnants of lavish feasts,

Crafting sustenance from the meager beasts.

A cycle spawned from poverty’s grip,

Where echoes in the streets doth slip,

Yet amidst adversity, life prevails,

A spirit unyielding, it never fails.

For in the twilight, hope takes flight,

In eyes that gleam with resilient light,

A heart’s endurance, steadfast and true,

In every morsel, dreams renew.

Pagpag, emblem of survival’s grace,

A repast forged in the darkest space,

Yet through the trials, a glimmer beams,

In every meal, a silent dream.

May dawn herald change, an end to strife,

Where no one hungers in this life,

But feasts with honor, no longer dire,

On fare divine, with hearts afire.

inspirational

About the Creator

Jason “Jay” Benskin

Crafting authored passion in fiction, horror fiction, and poems.

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L.C.Gina Mike Heather Caroline Dharrsheena Cathy Daphsam Misty JBaz D. A. Ratliff Sam Harty Gerard Mark Melissa M Combs Colleen

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Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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    Writing reflected the title & theme

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Comments (6)

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  • Amy littleabout a year ago

    Really eye opening ! Thanks for sharing this must read poem! Really great job! Very well written

  • Shelby about a year ago

    This is very eye opening. One of the best poem I've ever read. I was amazed 👏

  • Kennedy Smith2 years ago

    A must read for me. Help me realize to be more grateful in life

  • John Baxter2 years ago

    Very amazing poem! Teaching us to be more grateful 🙏

  • Milrose samboque2 years ago

    Very well written poem! 👏 thanks for sharing 👏

  • Gloria Penelope2 years ago

    Nice poem, it's packed with facts of real life. Great job Jason.

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