HIRAETH

HIRAETH LITERARY FOLIO BY THE APEX

HIRAETH 4 ABOUT THE COVER Everyone has an irretrievable loss that even if we attempt to sail through the rogue waves and trek the colossal mountains, we can’t locate it. We can only lament the deep sadness of nothingness and fall asleep to the siren of our hauling in the night. But in the end, we will wanderlust through the multiverse where reality is not truth and fantasy is genuine. Cover Design by June Martin del Mundo Artwork by Jasmin Pecho Words of John Albert Silva

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foreword Is there any difference between hiraeth and wanderlust to return to our old selves? Even the sense of success can’t change the bitter truth. We are today because of our choices and of fate tailored by the people around us. There’s no real destiny but a mere decision dictated by someone that we foolishly follow. We can choose to be happy but we secretly choose to be not. But here we are, following the footsteps they made for us. We asked ourselves a thousand times, “What if?” but blindly crossed the finish line. That was not a mistake but a choice we made, and that was not their fault. But it makes us alive today because we feel pain–awake! There’s always a lesson in every decision that doesn’t go the way we want. These lessons make us savor the irretrievably lost, but padayon; keep walking. Being lost is not a curse; it’s an opportunity to lead us to our genuine purpose. Yes, I feel it too, the loneliness of walking in the abyss, but as long as I know myself, I embrace my flaws. I am at home. I have me. Longing and continuing, Juan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FLASH FICTION 20 The First Rain of May 23 Hanimun 28 Tomorrow Promise 31 Pasa Hero 34 For You, Mom 36 Panaghoy sa Karimlan 40 Eklips 42 Whisper

POETRY Multiverse 46 Sometimes Should Be Enough 48 Heto Ako 50 Ako! 53 Coming Home 54 Salamat, Ngunit Patawad 56 Into Oblivion 60 Puwede Ba? 64 To The One With Heavy Heart 66 Sabi Mo 68 I Want To Fly 71 Tara, Laro Tayo! 72 Nakalimutan Kong Kalimutan Ka 76

SHORT STORIES 80 Time To Bloom 88 Pahimakas 98 When in Sumampa Cemetery 106 Ikaw Ang Takipsilim 114 Wanderlust 120 Confidant

FEATURE Four Seasons Of Life 130 Mañana Habit: The Reason Why People Procrastinate 138 Defying The Disgrace 143 Never Be Strayed 148

SIX WORD STORY 154 Farewell 156 12:00 Noon 158 Semicolon 160 Araw-araw 162 Help! 164 T’wing Gabi 166 Family Wins 168 Ulan 171 Drowned

ESSAYS Plateau-o more 174 Ating Pahalagahan,Pamana ng Nakaraan 178 NORMALSEIZE 182 To Be That Girl With White Coat 186 New Chapter 190 Finally Home 195 True Friend 200 Jar Of Hope 202 Route Of Triumph 206 Monsters 212

PHOTOGRAPHS 18 Abstract and Mysterious 27 Beyond the Limits Near the Edge 32 Rendezvous 39 Blindspot 43 Memory Core 45 Agonizing Memory 62 Every Steps Count 67 A Nap Beyond Price 70 Your Story Matters 86 Coming Home 97 Irenic 105 A Beautiful Ending 112 Tight Line 118 Quaintrelle 119 Paramnesia 125 Treasure of Mighty 136 A Day to be Remembered 142 It Takes Two to Tell a Story

PHOTOGRAPHS Astray On Her Wide Draft Paradise 151 Let Go and Move Forward 157 Sonder 165 Fun Knows No Age Limit 199 Tranquility 205 Opacarophile 210 Vibrant Street 216 Stop Stopping Yourself 217 Euphonious 218 Belle Ame 212 The Outcry of Home 220 Gratitude and Peace 217

Artworks 22 Beyond The Storm 30 TheYearnedHorizonBehindtheScreen 144 The Unknown 158 Iris 167 Parea 169 TheBeautyThatLaysBeyondtheArt 185 Live and Die 193 Meltdown 194 A Starry Night in the City 196 Retrieval 201 Fetch! 214 Yokai

HIRAETH 18 FLASH FICTIONS DAGLI

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HIRAETH 20 TnihckoelorFenizrpsintieroRain of May S itio Talute, a little village in the outskirts in the City of San Pablo, believes that the first rain in the month of May is a miracle. Pre- dictably, due to the elders’ influence there, people of all ages, especially children, are looking forward to showering in the rain when the month begins. In fact, Gab, an observant and a freshman Philosophy major student, is busy sipping his coffee while peeking out on the window of his room and he can’t still move on from what he has seen last week. He has witnessed his neighbors soaking in the rain and their faces seem to be hopeful. It was May 1, 2022, 11:11 AM, one of Gab’s most unforgettable days as a Filipino. It was also the day when he realized that until the present time, most Filipinos are still living in the belief that Agua de Mayo can cure disease and can enhance physical appearance. Elders used to say that it is effective in boosting the immune system and making the skin

smooth. As a matter of fact, it is still clear in Gab’s memory that his playmate with asthma recovered after a short shower in the rain. Even though it has already been years, he can still reminisce and recall of what his playmate used to say on him: “Hindi mo kailangang magbabad, kailangan mo lamang talagang maulanan.” As he continuously meditates, a street vendor passed by and stood beside the tree. After a few minutes, a beggar passed by and sat down in the street. Moments after, an old lady passed by and leaned on at the post. They were all among those people who showered in the rain last week. They were among those people who had big smiles while seem- ingly wishing for their luck. Unexpectedly, the beggar shouted loudly, “Naligo naman ako sa ulan noong nakaraan pero bakit wala pa ring laman ang aking tiyan?!” It was his last sip of coffee and after hearing those words uttered from the mouth of a stray kid, Gab has something on his head that he doesn’t fully understand and made him question himself, “If the people almost drowned in the pouring rain last week and if Agua de Mayo really brings miracle, why is the wound of their stomachs still not healing?” -h- 21

HIRAETH 22 artwork by mara patria famarin

HANIMUNmary rose cadacio I nilagay ni Karina ang pampaasim sa isinalang niyang kumukulong sabaw ng hipon. Maya-maya pa ay darating na si Rico galing sa tra- baho. Alas singko na ng hapon at nagsisimula nang sumilim, hudyat na anumang oras ay maririnig na niya ang pagparada ng sasakyan nito sa garahe. Natanaw niya sa pasimano ang singsing na pansamantala niyang hinubad upang maghugas ng pinggan. Unang araw nilang magkasama bilang mag-asawa kaya naman palagay niya ay nararapat lamang na ipa- gluto niya ito ng kanyang espesyal na putahe. Dali-dali siyang nagtungo sa kalan at pinahinaan ito, tinimusan ang sabaw at inilagay ang isang tali ng kangkong. Nang tantya niya ay tama na ang lutong ng kangkong ay pinatay na niya ang kalan at hinango ito. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang siya sa sitwasyon. Pakiramdam niya ay napakatagal niyang hindi nakita ang asawa kahit na maghapon lamang itong nawala. Napahagod siya sa kanyang puson. Hindi pa halata ang umbok nito ngunit batid niya na sa mga susunod na linggo ay maaari na iyong mapansin. 23

HIRAETH 24 Napawi ang kanyang pag-iisip nang umugong ang pamilyar na tunog ng sasakyan mula sa garahe. Sa tunog pa lamang na iyon ay bumungad na ang malawak na ngiti sa kanyang labi. Kaagad niyang tinakbo ang garahe at sinalubong ang asawa ng yakap at halik na agad din naman nitong tinugon. “Kamusta ang trabaho?” Ngumiti ito at pinasadahan ng haplos ang kanyang pisngi. “Abala ang kompanya, mahal.” “Alam kong pagod at gutom ka na kaya ipinagluto kita.” Hinila niya ang braso nito upang magtungo na sa kusina. Naglagay naman siya ng sabaw sa mangkok para ipaghain ito. Nakaupo na ito sa kabisera ng lamesa, mistulang inosenteng batang naghihintay sa paborito nitong ulam. Kapagdaka’y napawi ang ngiti nito nang ihain niya ang kanyang nilutong ulam. “Bakit, mahal? Nagsasawa ka na ba sa sinigang na hipon ko?” Malungkot ang kanyang tono. “Hindi, mahal…” Agad naman nitong isinubo ang niluto. Naglagay pa ito sa kanin at tila gutom na gutom. Napahalakhak siyang umiling sa bilis ng pagsubo ng asawa. Pagkatapos nilang kumain ay pinilit naman niya itong manood sa theatre room ng bahay. Pumayag naman ito kahit na pakiramdam niya ay kanina pang hindi mapakali ang asawa. Maka-ilang beses pa nga niya itong nahuling patagong nagtitipa sa kanyang telepono.

“Mahal,” tawag niya sa atensyon nito. “Bakit, mahal?” Mabilis na itinago nito ang telepono sa bulsa ng pantalon na tila kinakabahan. “Manood na tayo,” naninimbang na tugon niya ngunit may pagtata- ka sa tono. Hindi na siya magtataka kung may mga babaeng nagkakagusto sa kanyang asawa, lalo na sa opisina. Sa katunayan, noong mag-nobyo at nobya pa lamang sila ay habulin na ng mga babae si Rico. Pinilit niyang alisin iyon sa kanyang isipan. Ito ang unang araw nilang magkasama bilang mag-asawa. Isa pa, wala naman siyang pruweba sa ganoong klase ng paghihinala. Nagpasya siyang patayin ang ilaw. Tanging sinag lamang mula sa malaking screen ang tumatanglaw sa silid. Habang nanonood ay ramdam niya ang unti-unting pagbigat ng kanyang mga mata. “Mahal kita, Karina,” rinig niyang bulong ng asawa bago nagdilim ang paligid. Alas otso ng umaga nang nagising siya at napagtantong nakatulog na sila ng asawa sa loob ng theatre room. “Mahal.” Inalog niya ang katawan ng natutulog niyang asawa. “Mahal, mahuhuli ka na sa trabaho,” hagikhik niya. Laking pagtataka niya nang hindi pa rin gumalaw ang asawa. Sa ordinaryong araw naman na magkasiping sila ay madali itong magising. Sa pagkakataong ito ay pinihit niya ang mukha ng asawa papunta sa kanya. Halos bumaliktad ang kanyang sikmura sa nakita. Walang malay at tadtad ng malalaking pantal ang mukha ng kanyang asawa. 25

HIRAETH 26 “Rico! Rico!” Naiiyak na sinampal-sampal niya ang mukha nito upang HIRAETH 26 magkaroon ng malay ngunit nanatili ito sa ganoong posisyon. Tila lan- tang gulay at wala nang buhay. Halos mapatalon siya nang biglang tumunog ang kanyang telepono. Tawag iyon mula sa kanyang biyenan. Sa nanginginig niyang mga kamay ay muntik pang mahulog iyon. “Hello, ’Ma?” tugon niya sa nanginginig na boses. “Karina, anak, nakalimutan kong ipaalala ang tungkol sa allergy ni Rico. Kung tama ang palagay ko ay itinatago niya ang kondisyon na iyan sa iyo. Tumawag sa akin si Dr. Sanchez noong isang araw, na-kwento raw sa kanya ni Rico na sinigang na hipon lang ang kaya mong lutuin—kaya umaasa na lang sa remedyong turok tuwing inaatake. Alam mo hija, magpapadala na lang ako ng taga-luto riyan. Huwag ka nang mag-abala pa. Magpahinga ka na lang muna, hija…” “...” “Tumawag din si Dr. Sanchez kanina, nagpadala raw ng mensahe si Rico kagabi. Kaya lamang ay nasa bakasyon daw siya…Karina?” “...” “Karina?!” Napuno ng katahimikan ang magkabilang linya. -h-

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HIRAETH 28 Tjohonmalboertrsirlvaow Promise T he world serves as a bloodbath of innocent, the hierarchy of peo- ple who possess power and wealth became more obsessed with the sinful worldly things–money, political position, and ranking in the society. No one can dare to fight back against the people who are in the power or else death will be awarded to the foolish. “This world is already consumed by the darkness,” Michael, the great captain of archangels uttered as he covered his immortality as a weak man. “Life without direction is dead.” He pities the World as humanity slowly alluring by the darkness towards the danger brought by living in things, especially those innocent who is enduring the pain amidst the battle of others to become a god. “There are more awful than the rats that are more starve with worldly things than holiness. But, why God the Father still forgiven this World?” Raguel, the archangel of peace and vengeance asked. Then,

he opened his wide and stronghold bright paired-wing that lighten the partial space of Earth. “Stop, Raguel! We can’t oppose the god of the underworld, Satan who governs the Earth (Revelation 12:9) now,” Gabriel, the alongside Michael said. “As of now, the humans only have themselves to witness the wicked fool god trying to bring them to eternal death.” “Gabriel is right. We need to wait and protect the innocent towards the enticing works of the world, but I believe the end is near because only our Father knew how and when (Mark 13:32). The World will back to its holiness and humanity who is oppressed by the unjust life will back to the glory of Father,” Michael assured. “The ends of seven deadly sins is fast approaching to freed and bring back the glory of the paradise once created by our Father. No one will live with the fear of death, illness, and poverty again as the signs of heaven conquer the World (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:11),” he continued. Humanity will witness again what Adam and Eve, the first man and woman felt with the glory of God the Father. Live in paradise with a bountiful harvest of food and shelter for every child of God (Psalm 72:16), and no one will shed tears of pain but joy. But not today, as the seven deadly sins are vividly destroying the lives of everyone, but He will end it (Apocalypses 21:4) tomorrow. -h- 29

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PasaHEROnicko lorenz piniero “Peep! Peep! Peeeeppp!” Malakas na busina ng sinasakyan naming dyip nang tumirik ang nasa unahan naming sasakyan. Marahil hindi na rin mawari ni manong tsuper ang kaniyang gagawin dahil sa hinahabol na oras ng kaniyang mga pasahero. May mga estudyanteng nakatutok pa rin sa kanilang pagbabasa habang maya’t maya ang tingin sa kalsada. May tatlong guro na panay ang usisa ng oras sa kanilang mga relo. May mga ordinaryong pasahero. May isang inang kalong-kalong ang kaniyang batang anak na ipatitingin sa doktor dahil sa lumalalang ubo. May Senior Citizen na mayroong hawak na envelope at ang pakay ay magtungo sa opisina ng mga politiko upang humingi ng tulong sa pagpapa-dialysis ng kaniyang asawa. Mayroon ding dalawang construction workers na kapwa mukhang malalim ang iniisip habang nakasabit sa dulong bahagi ng dyip. At, mayroong ako na tagaktak ng pawis hindi dahil sa init ng panahon, kung hindi dahil hindi ko alam kung paano ko pagkakasyahin ang labindala- wang piso kong baon na sinungkit ko pa mula sa luma kong alkansya. 31

HIRAETH 32 Iniisip ko na ang mag-1, 2, 3 dahil sampung piso na ang pamasahe at kung magbabayad ako ngayon, paano ako makakauwi? Sa awa ng Diyos, iisa pala kami ng nasakyan ni Gng. Liwanag. Guro ko siya sa Filipino at nakasanayan na niya na sa tuwing makakasakay niya ako sa biyahe patungo sa paaralan ay siya na ang magbabayad para sa akin. Hindi lingid sa kaniyang kaalaman na bahagi ako ng kapos-palad na pamilya kaya tinanong niya ako, “Ikaw ba'y kumain na?” sabay abot ng mainit-init pang pancit na baon daw sana niya mula natirang handa sa kanilang Wedding Anniversary kahapon. Sa wakas, naayos na rin ang nasa unahan naming sasakyan. Walang ano-ano’y, tinanong niya ulit ako. “Ano'ng pangarap mo paglaki?” Ngu- miti na lamang ako nang may pagkukubli habang hinahampas ng hangin ang manilaw-nilaw kong uniporme at tumugon nang mahinahon, “Hindi ko pa po sigurado kung anong kukuhanin kong kurso, baka po lalong lumubog kami sa utang, may sakit pa ang Tatay. Gasino na lamang rin ho ang kinikita ng Inay sa pagbebenta ng walis tingting, kung minsa'y wala po talaga.” Doon na natapos ang aming pag-uusap dahil na rin sa ingay ng ibang pasahero sa pagpapaalala ng kanilang mga sukli. Makalipas ang ilang taon, muli kong nakasakay ang aking maestra, ngunit ang kaibaha’y ako na ang nagbayad ng kaniyang pamasahe at parehas na kami ng suot na uniporme. -h-

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HIRAETH 34 Fmaoxirne yenodayua, mom Miriam is a hardworking single mother. She devotes a hundred per- cent of her attention to her job as an accountant at a specific bank and her small business selling beauty products online. There are many situations where she neglects her daughter, Mary, due to her hectic job schedule. Mary is a 17-year-old teenager in the 12th grade. Yaya. Nena, her nanny, is always present when there is a parent meeting. Miriam is always unavailable when Mary needs assistance with her school contests. She not only neglects her child in school and at home, but she also com- pares Mary to her friends' daughters and sons. Those children, in Miriam's view, are superior to her daughter. Mary's heart breaks as an outcome of Miriam's actions. She always feels pity for herself since she still feels alone despite having a mother. Several times, Mary breaks down and reflects on all her mother does. Despite being constantly pressured and neglected, she manages to excel in school. Instead of becoming a rebel, she used her mother's outlook on her as motivation. In this way, she thinks her mother will see her purpose

more clearly and will love her unconditionally. On the day of graduation, while waiting in line for Mary's turn, Mir- iam continues to compare her to her peers. \"Take a look at Rio; she was honored and Susan's daughter; how about you?\" \"I got you everything you wanted, but you're still not on the honor roll,\" Miriam stated. Mary, on the other hand, remained silent and only smiled. When it was Mary's turn, the host announced, \"Mary P. Santiago, with highest honors!\" Miriam was taken aback and stunned when Mary was named the best in their batch. While they are walking, they are having this conversation. \"Why didn't you tell me?\" Miriam asked. \"Last night, Mom, I left a note on your side table with the graduation invitation; I don't think you have time to read it,\" Mary said. \"I'm sorry, Mary, I got home late last night, but I'm very proud of you! I apologize for neglecting and comparing you most of the time; I will patch things up,\" Miriam replied, her eyes tearful. \"Don't worry, Mom, this is for you,\" they said as they marched proud- ly to the stage. -h- 35

HIRAETH 36 Pjohannalbaergt shilvoa y sa Karimlan Marahan nang bumababa ang haring araw mula sa kanyang trono upang panandaliang magpahinga. At sa paglawak ng kadilim sa lansangang kani-kanila lang ay buhay na buhay. Dumadaloy na rin sa wakas ang katiwasayan upang kahit papaano’y maitago ko ang tunay kong nararamdaman sa ilalim ng takipsilim, na walang matang nakaka- kita. Sa loob ng mahabang gabi ay lalasapin ko ang sakit nang pagka- matay ng isang bahagi ng aking buhay, dahil ito ang kailangang mai- sakripisyo upang maipagpatuloy ang buhay at matanggap sa lipunang ginagalawan. Ibubuhos ko ang lahat ng pagdadalamhati sa lumalamig na gabi dahil sa pagtaas muli ng haring araw ay kailangan ko ulit itong sabayan. Walang perpektong tao ngunit sa mata ng iba kailangan maging gan’on. Ang pagkakamali ay isang sumpa, ang kanilang pamantayan sa buhay ay gan’on din dapat sa ’yo.

Pinagpala ang mga taong may laya, hindi takot sa paghusga ng ibang tao sa kanila. Kaya’t patawarin nawa ako ng aking sarili dahil hindi ako katulad nila. “Nandito na pala ang ating doktor sa pamilya,” bungad na wika ng aking Ama. “Hindi nasayang ang pagpapalaki natin sa kanya. Mabuti na lang at hindi mo pinagpatuloy ang pagsusulat dahil tiyak lang na magagaya ka sa ibang walang pormal na trabaho,” singit naman ng aking Inang hinagkan ako sa pisngi. “’Nay at ’Tay, magapapahinga lang muna ako,” saad ko sa kanila. Dahil ang puso ko ngayo’y dinudurog muli... kailangan ko ulit itong buoin kinabukasan. At pansamantala lamang akong pagtatakpan ng karimlan. -h- 37

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HIRAETH 40 Eklipsjohn albert silva Maaliwalas ang kalangitan na siyang nagbibigay diin sa kakatwang penomenal na magaganap; ang paghalik ng Ahas sa Buwan. May nakakapagsabi rin na ito raw ang makapangyarihang si Bakunawa, ang higanteng ahas at Mayari, ang magandang diyosa ng Buwan. Ngunit sinong makakapagsabi na ang dal’wang pusong nagmama- halan ay hindi pinahihintulutan ng tadhana? Na ang pag-ibig na nabuo sa pagitan nilang dalawa'y isang sumpa sa iba. Nagtagpo na ang ahas at buwan. Wala nang liwanag na sumusilip sa buong kapuluan ng Pilipinas. Lahat ng tao ay nagmamakaawa na sa kalawakan upang bumalik ang katiting na liwanag sa gabi. “Hindi ka ba napapagod sa ginagawa natin, Bakunawa?” marahang wika ni Mayari.

“Paano ako mapapagod kung ikaw ang kalakasan ko?” tugon naman nito. “Wala man itong pahintulot ng tadhana, ang mga mortal ma’y mag- dusa. Uunahin kita, pipiliin.” “Ngunit mahalaga sila sa akin. Kailangan nila ako, kailangan nila ang liwanag ko,” naluluhang wika ni Mayari. “Ngunit–” “Pahimakas, aking mahal,” naluluhang putol na wika ni Mayari sa kanyang sinisinta. “Sana sa susunod kong buhay maging isang malayang karagatan ako para makasama at mapili na kita. Patawad!” Unti-unti na muling nagliliwanag ang gabi, ngunit sa ngayo’y mas malamig na ngayon. Kagaya ng pusong nag-iisa ni Mayari at nawasak na puso ni Bakunawa na nakatanglaw ngayon sa itaas -h- © nicko lorenz piniero 41

HIRAETH 42 Whisperjohn albert silva I f the most dauntless Apolaki has a ravishing Mayari, the heaven has hell, and the winner has a loser, me. Why should I still continue living? “I’m a failure, black sheep, and an asshole,” I bitterly whisper to the air, while my tears pour like rain on my pillow. Remembering every uttered word and sharp stare disgusting me. But my Lola gently tapped my sleepyhead again drown by tears and sorrow, and whispered, “I know you more than what they thinking of you. So, wake up there!” Nine years ago she died but still, her voice resonated in my ears, giving me the strength to continue living.  -h-

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HIRAETH 44 POETRY TULA

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HIRAETH 46 MkrUis LanTnIeVmEenRdoSzaE Ang istoryang isinulat para sa ’tin, Ay tila itinakdang hindi sang-ayunan ng panahon Ilang beses ng sumubok na pilitin, Ngunit ibinigay na ng Panginoon Na kahit humiling sa libo-libong bituin, O tumingala sa nakakalulang kalangitan Sadyang may balakid sa t'wing pag- tatagpuin, At ang ngayon ay para ating wakasan Hindi man nagwagi sa laro ng kasalukuyan, Nananalig na hindi pa ito ang huli Kakapit kahit walang kasiguraduhan, Dahil ikaw pa din ang tiyak sa pagbaba- ka-sakali Hayaan mo na muli akong maniwala,

Na may naiibang mahika mula sa kalawakan Sa tadhanang iguguhit ng mga tala, May panibagong mundong tatapakan Doon ay muli kong ipipikit ang mga mata, Bago pa man balutin ang b'wan ng dilim Gusto kong maging saksi pati si bathala, Na ikaw at ikaw pa din ang aking nanaisin Kung mayroon ngang isa pang ikaw at ako, Ang natatangi kong dalangin Sakali man na ang imahinasyon ay totoo, Sana tayo pa din ang 'yong piliin At nang sa panibagong tagpuan, Pareho na tayong sumugal Alisin ang pangamba sa bawat katanungan, At sabay nating tuklasin ang sagot, mahal. 47

HIRAETH 48 Sometimes, I close my eyes all Sometimes shut should be and wonder – why am I seeing enough all black? Struggles and sadness have been in my sight for too long; when will the light come? And sometimes, I want to try opening my eyes, but I don’t want not because I’m scared but because I don’t know how to. But sometimes, I wonder how it is to see all light but I’m afraid it will be blinding seeing nothing made me all naïve. Because sometimes, they told me eyes are meant to shut to live in sadness and strug- gles is the way what can I do – I’ve grown.

mark Yet sometimes, my eyes see a christopher glimpse lat of light – it felt funny but I want to feel it again how I wish I could see a glimpse again. Will it sometimes be enough to erase the dark I’m used to? Can it all be fair to feel happy even with the dark all over me? Sometimes will never be enough but sometimes, it is a way to be enough. Sometimes, I just need to open my eyes to see that everything is enough. © june martin del mundo 49

HIRAETH 50 Hmeaxtinoe enAdakyao Heto ka na naman Nagmumukmok sa likod ng iyong pintuan Saksi yaong silid sa iyong kalungkutan Saan ka na naman kaya dinadala ng iyong isipan? Heto ka na naman Itinatago sa ngiti ang sakit na nararamdaman Itinatawa ang mga bagay na hindi mo na kinakaya Pagpapanggap mo’y hanggang kailan kaya? Halika, dito ka Sa aki’y malaya mong maipakikita Iyong tunay na nadarama Sasamahan kita, hangga’t hindi mo pa kaya Halika, dito ka Ipararamdam ko sa’yo ang iyong halaga Dito sa aki’y tanggap kita Sasamahan kita, hanggang sa kaya mo na