Al Robles Living Library Project
Al Robles - Poet, Community Scholar, Revolutionary Teacher, Activist and Poverty Hero
The Al Robles Living Library Project honors the community literary spirit of Al Robles with writing projects, art and performance with the goal of inspiring future poets and community scholars like Uncle Al Robles
Hands: A poem for Al Robles in Filipino American History Month
"Hands"
My father joked once
About a man who moved
His hands a lot when
He spoke
Dad would say that if
Al Robles: A Treasure Not Lost
I remember you reciting your poem
while jazzy hands slapped
against an upright bass.
Your words perfumed with the scent
of sampaguita memories
and resonated the sounds of jeepneys
passing by San Francisco cable cars.
Stories that still warm the soul
like fresh pan de sal in the morning
That iconic beard and those glasses
you brought to life with your stunning presence.
This world painted and created
by the strokes of your poety;
communities built with the beat of your heart.
Roblesque (To Al Robles with Love)
¡Silencio! Al Robles is missing
It’s way too quiet around here these days & we miss him
This one of a kind poetic daredevil
Manong Al of the International Nipa Hut Hotel
Oy! Manong!... is that you?
Al Robles
This Carabao has gone home to the village
Come to me, my melancholy baby
Baguio Ifugao winds that blew away
YOUR POETRY breathing words
INTO SMITHEREENS OF CARABAO DUNG
The White Sand Beaches of Market Street
White Sand Beaches of Market Street
By Tony Robles
A manong I’d met a
While back but whose
Name I couldn’t remember
Recently approached me on
Market Street
Say Al--Is that you?
Say Al--is that you?
Someone's sprinklin' water & rose petals
on the baby buddha's birthday
& another millennium has passed
Say Al--is that you?
