Transformed to Tiklings tinikling

Now that we’re old enough at eight, I suppose
We learn the Filipino dance called Tinikling
Our school is far ahead on the diversity curve
Two, then three, then four long bamboo poles
As we advance. mastering more and more of them
Beating against wood blocks, to a catchy folk tune
Hollow tapping and sliding to a song like laughter
Music to catch our feet by as we hop and turn
Between the long logs, we are dancers imitating
The deft movement of the Tikling bird
That ravages the rice fields and avoids traps set
By farmers who despise but also celebrate them
With this national dance of the Philippines
We become birds escaped with only bashed ankles
Who eat our scoop of rice joyfully at lunch time