I looked to the sky
To see no one there
I prayed to the gods of the skyworld
But they were unanswered
The rainbow never came
The guardians silent to my call
And I can only wonder,
Why now of all times?
Now on the days where the light shines bright
For those kept in darkness
Their whole lives
For those bound by the trappings
Of judgement and ignorance
For those cast away by society
For those like me
I remember them fondly
The skymaidens from above
Their aura was comfort incarnate
And I bathed in it
I was never able to speak around them
Paralyzed by their grandeur
I would give anything
To be with them again
If they will not appear
I will be brave
I will take it in my hands
And protect those who need protection
This is for every person silenced
By those who claim oneness
That believe that they are in the right
And stamp on those who are different
I do not know if I will see
The Biraddali ever again
But I will remember their soothing voices
And iridescent wings
I will remember the rainbow
=——————–=
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by Biraddali description in Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon. 2010.
Biraddali Illustration and Color by Von Milano
Illustration reposted with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
