Santong Kabayo
by Godfrey T. Dancel

Thank you, Father,
for the salary raise
I just got.
I know it is my reward
for helping those filthy
kids in the slums.
 
Thank you, Father,
for I have been chosen once more
as model employee.
I am sure
my good-for-nothing officemates
feel nothing but envy.
 
Bless me, Father,
that I may remain good-looking,
not like cousin Harry
who, at forty,
looks like he were fifty.
 
Bless me, Father,
that I may
be an inspiration
to many.
Not like that bum
who walks with a limp
and dresses lousily.
 
Bless me, Father,
that I may continue
to provide
for my family.
Our needs are not that many:
Armani suits for me,
a Prada bag for my wife Jeanie,
a Shimano bike for Andrei,
and Graco toys for baby Sally.

Bless me, Father…
Ohh, damn!
I must go, Father.
I have a photo-op to catch
at the halfway house fundraiser.