We the Waraynons

Kami nga mga Waraynon

(My original free verse form in Waray)

Nasiring hira nga an mga waray-waray mag-isug,
Nga pirme nakikipag-away bisan kan kanay.
“Taga Leyte-Samar ka?” nasiring hiya,
“Haguy ka isog mo nala.”

Dako kuno an amon mga boses,
Nagpapanlalabaw nga baga't dalugdog.
Tapos pag-tawa namon,
Mayor pa daw hit sim nga gin-gigisi.

“Hagi, pabay-i iton hira”, siring ko.
Basta malipayon kita nga mga tawo.
Oo, dako it aton boses, ngan
Magtig-a it panluwas.

Pero it aton gin yayakan
Dire man mara-ot.
Pwera nala han iba nga mga maglibak,
Kita nga mga waray-waray pirme la marisyo. 

We the Waraynons

(In sonnet form)

They say that we Waraynons are feisty,

that we spar will all but the deputy.

"You're from Leyte-Samar? They'd ask gravely.

"Oh dear, how brusque and feral you must be!"

They say our voices rumble like thunder,

so unlike the mellow pipes of Adele.

When we laugh and rattle like a chunker

they liken the sound to a banshee's yell.

But we bear no malice when we express,

with diction and accent ever so thick-

only thoughtful words we wish to impress.

It's true, when we are vexed we do not kick.

So fear not dear friend, and do shake my hand,

We Waraynons believe ardor is grand!