Behind the forest
The child hunter lies in wait
Walking on its hands
It spots the children
Who do know what fear is
Are its next victims
Pain is its language
It swells their knees to inflict
The curse of Bugsok
A family it
Has found among the children
Now, they take its form
The black being enjoys
Its new friends, much like itself
The parents scream out
They will never find
Their children now lost to curse
The Bugsok has won
Now, take your children
Hold them close to your safety
You will never know
=—————–=
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by the Bugsok entry in Bikol Beliefs and Folkways: A Showcase of Tradition. Nasayao 2010..
Illustration by Brian Valeza used with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
