Traditional boat (Banca) off the coast of Palawan
09°30′N 118°30′E / 9.5°N 118.5°E
Palawan
Snorkelling off the beach
where Magellan’s starving remnant
leapt from their landing boats.
In the leafy shadows
a lazy water monitor flicks its tongue
to sample the morning air.
Curious pouting fish,
like the brilliant flags of nations,
like the brilliant flags of nations,
flutter over indigo starfish nestling
in the coral
that grows its filigree on the bones
of the lost of Bataan.
Above, the cliffs.
From the Tabon caves
ancient ghosts mark the unfolding histories.
Photos: Kate Peirce, Richard Peirce
Words: Richard Peirce
