Playing with Water

Ali, ali, namamangka,
pasakayin yaring bata;
pagdating sa Maynila
ipagpalit ng manika.

Ali, ali, namamayong,
pasukubin yaring sanggol;
pagdating sa Malabon
ipagpalit ng bagoong.




Old woman, old woman paddling
your boat,
Give this child a ride;
When you reach Manila
Change it into a doll.

Old Woman, old woman, beneath your
umbrella,
Shelter this child;
When you reach Malabon
Change it into fish sauce.

- Playing with Water, James Hamilton-Paterson