FLAME Seasons

The official literary folio of The Review, the official student publication of Northwestern University. All rights reserved © AY 2021-2022 No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses.

ABOUT THE COVER SEASONS sometimes represent the human life cycle that divides different phases. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each stage in life has a unique character as well as every season has a characteristic of its own. Seasons remind us to keep anticipating change and adapting to new things to better our lives and face challenges. Seasons represent so much tone and emotions that can shape us into what we want to be. RUSSEL JOY L. PASCUA Lead Cartoonist About Cover

Table of Contents The Green’s Life Pleasure and Grief A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Sunrise Gamophobia It is, what it is Deeper than you Thought Love Dear Someone Fortuitous Life Nawawala Dear Someone Zodiac Signs Pagkikita Pusong Napagal Heart’s Agony Irog ko Safety Wife Preceded Swiftie Saving Life Love Cadaver Arapaap Life’s not a Race Always You Ghoster not Ghosted Twinkle Loving You This Life is Mine Perspective of a Philippine Dog Hang in there Fairytale Gone Through your eyes Four years ago Waves

The Interludes of Life Blank Space Man vs. Himself Truth is not Bitter Raniag ti Paskua Law of Attaction or Law of Action Daliasatek Astonish Dream First Chapter Katotohanan Nakakabinging Katahimikan Dilaan mo bago ipasok Footprints of Happiness Fruit of Glowing Life Self-effacing Morals Baseball Waltzing in Love Allow me to weep in silence tonight You fall, you lose White Lies You are not Alone, You fought well Takip-silim Hindi lang minsan For a while Kasarian o Kasiraan Kasaysayang Nakalimutan Hi-Ra-Ya Dear Moon Trusting is Vain Voyage The Illusion Agape Mou Room 108 Stolen Glances

Editorial Board and Staff AY. 2021-2022 Editor-In-Chief: Caunca, Jezreel Larry R. Associate Editor: Tadeja, Pamela V. Managing Editor: Rapacon, Dyan Rae G. Copyeditor: Agcaoili, Zenith Kin P. News Editor: Raquinio, Charisse Sophia A. Features Editor: Lazo, Kristene Claire O. Literary Editor: Bonoan, Keishey Aiana H. Sports Editor: Lorenzo, Ziantal Samantha B. Lead Graphic/Layout Artist: Galiza, Clark Justine A. Lead Photojournalist: Aquino, Jonh Lloyd Lead Cartoonist: Pascua, Russel Joy L. Staff Members: Foronda, Aletha Janine D. Foronda, Lucky Jastine D. Alcaraz, Jereanne Ashley F. Gabriel, Hanna May C. Aspili, Jhian Denver G. Jacinto, Earl John G. Baltazar, Leihzelie Jharlayne Jacinto, Lady Kyla Bartolome, Alvin R. Jornacion, Leyn S. Bartolome, Kerizle Monique C. Juan, Larissa T. Buduan, Kate Corine R. Lagoc, Justine Von B. Bulanadi, Roussel I. Lapitan, Frances Kyle T. Buted, Donald Cristopher B. Lucas, Maria Irish C. Cabiliza, Jhon Keampher Maquiraya, Brittany Lei Candia, Carl Dominic A. Membrere, Emar Jabez D. Corpuz, Aira G. Menor, Aian Mark Corpuz, Erika Winslet S. Orcia, Jenuca Coleen B. Curammeng, Michelle Faye L. Prudenciano, Joebert C Damo, Mark Bryan D. Salasac, Denielle Ellixe Cortel De La Cruz, Jeanette Aira G. Santillan, Poll Anthony R. Felipe Jr., Jessie G. Sina, Daniel Fernandez, Samiel B. Flor, Kleirisha M.

Staff Members: Soller, Kyleigh Jasline Solsoloy, Louise Julius Vince Tabigne, Daphney P. Tambio, Lorie Jane R. Tingson, Jericha Faye U. Urmeneta, Aaron Paul C. Villa, Karen Joy Ylarde, Ma. Rheane Audny S. ADVISER: Prof. Joan Jesusa B. Velasco Contributors Andres, Micah Bandal, Varon Cumlat, Anthony Faelmoca, Marienez C. Malines, Ezralen Mayo, Janeah Cassie Nostares, France Lawrence R. Pedronan, Hilary Salazar, Ynah Tabones, Gay Antonnette B. Vertido, Danica Palafox

F our seasons might not be relevant as we live near the equator, but it is happening in our lives. As we continue our journey, we will encounter different situations. These will either break or make us. Either way, we will learn something by facing these situations. Amidst the challenges we face now because of the pandemic, remember that seasons change; they are not permanent. We may be in a season like autumn when we think that everything falls and withers away, but it can serve as our preparation to withstand winter. We will undergo different seasons in life, and there are seasons for everything. A season that will give you opportunities to prosper, receive love, and even attain peace. The stories, poems, photographs, and artworks included in this folio manifest every editor and contributor’s efforts, sacrifices, and passion across any season. As we go over the pages of this folio, I hope that you will emerge victoriously from whatever season in your life you are facing. I hope that every season will prepare you to encounter another one and to prepare you for something that your heart truly desires. Let’s continue pushing forward for our dreams and aspirations, one season at a time. JEZREEL LARRY R. CAUNCA Editor-In-Chief

I n this edition of the Literary Folio, the cycle of seasons will represent our journey in life. Through the different seasons, we grow and we embrace every change that comes with it. The seasons of life are all about the transitions we go through and how they impact our lives and the lives of other people around us. The amount of time it takes to move through each season is an important reflection of the journey and challenges we face. Seasons can be interpreted in many ways. Spring may represent our birth and childhood, but it can also be connected to new beginnings and opportunities in life. Summer may represent our youth, where we grow and develop ourselves, but again, it can also be linked to exploration and freedom as we search for love, happiness, and fulfillment in life. Autumn may then represent our adulthood or maturity, and this can also be the time when we either prosper or fall. Thus, connecting it to every success or failure that we experience in life. Lastly, we have Winter which may represent the time when we get old and pull back from everything that we are doing. However, this season can also be the time where we take some moments to rest and accept all the changes in our lives as we wait for another season to come. This season can also be linked to sadness, loneliness, and sickness. KEISHEY AIANA H. BONOAN Literary Editor

If I were to be asked what season I like the most, I’d say all of them. Summer, fall, winter, and spring mean a lot to me. It has been a cycle that I have actually looked forward to the most. These seasons don’t only signify the happiness and love I’ve had throughout, but also the pain, struggle, and downfall that served as a lesson. Sauntering on golden gritty sand whilst enjoying the relaxing sight that could soothe my troubled soul on a beautiful summer day. Until the waves crashed against the shore, until it reached me; as it went away—it revealed a pair of feet. I was left dazed, and my lips were parted, unable to speak. I was staggered by the gentle man who was looking at me with a dashing smile plastered on his face. His blue orbs were lovely, but his smile was really something. On a beautiful summer day, I was sure—I’d fallen in love for the first time. My cheeks flushed red, not because I was under the scorching sun, but because I couldn’t contain this stupid heart beating like crazy for him. Until the leaves started falling off the trees, I had fallen for him even more. All the coffee dates I went on with him, and also the local travels I did with him, were the flickers of our genuine friendship. I wanted to tell him I craved more, but I was afraid that our friendship would fall apart. On the last day of fall, while caging the untamed butterflies, I myself…fell apart.

Just as I thought I’d be spending a skin-sipping cold winter alone, I’ve been trying to wish like a kid, if only Santa could put me on the ‘nice’ list and make me feel better. It sucked that in winter, I was stuck with unrequited love. To my surprise, Santa could be real. And yes, in a cold winter, I got my first kiss under the mistletoe. But not all stories have a happy ever after, right? Just like that, when flowers started to bloom beautifully, he broke me like how he picks flowers in a garden. I was left hurt and bruised by his thorns when I tried to embrace him, hoping he would not break me apart. On the first day of spring…I broke my heart for the first time. However, doesn’t spring symbolize a new beginning? Also, on a fine day in spring, I finally learned how to deal with heartbreak. After all, season changes never stay the same; so do I. ZENITH KIN P. AGCAOILI Copyeditor

S easons signify a time of the year when something is permitted to happen. It is an opportunity to be exposed to four different worlds of experience. It is like entering four doors, with unexpected transitions coupled with lessons that will remain in our lives. All emotions occur in all these seasons, and thus, feelings of loneliness, acceptance, hope, and happiness are what we feel. It could also be a combination of all of them. If not, we feel just like one. We could also create new meanings for these seasons, and this would make us realize that spring does not always mean renewal, nor does summer mean joy. Autumn could not be so melancholic, while winter is not always sad. In this folio, The Review continues to bring its readers a new experience. Playing against the concept of four seasons, our passionate editors set this year’s literary folio in another world. Infusing different seasonal symbolism and allowing its readers to create meanings they have never encountered before. This collection of poems and stories from our editors, staff, and contributors voices different seasons of struggle, sadness, hope, and contentment. Experience each season as we aim to discover something unexpected. PROF. JOAN JESUSA B. VELASCO Adviser

SpringKABANATA 1 13

The first day of spring… Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in an infinite list of choices, and you’re already confused enough about what decision you should make? It was just like you were walking down an endless path of spring fields filled with flowers you could fall in love with. Hence, you don’t know which one to pick, or you dare not to. Everything happens for a reason. They say we are the masters of our souls. We create our own fate through the decisions we make. And for some reason, we tend to make bad decisions that cause changes and challenges in our lives. I just really find it hard to believe that another year has passed in just the blink of an eye. And I couldn’t believe how I was named after the season of flowers, hope, and new beginnings, Spring. Was it coincidental, or was the name really ironically meant for me? I actually never really liked my name. For some reason, I never really liked this season either. A lot of people wait for spring just like it’s their birthday. For me, the coming of spring is just another day to carry on with life. For me, there is really nothing special about it. It’s just another season we go through every year. Speaking of which, today is the first day of spring. I am still trying to get myself used to the light and warm surroundings. The smell of fresh air, mixed with the scent of flowers that are starting to bloom and the ground, reminds me of the earthy smell of petrichor. 14

I decided to wake up early today. I know I mentioned how I never really liked spring, but here I am, surrounded by people waiting for their turn to get a free hot cinnamon chocolate drink. Giving this hot cinnamon chocolate drink at every spring event has become our tradition. I guess my family really loves this season, which ironically is the season that I never really like. Some piles of snow are still along the sides of the roads, leaving traces of the winter season that hasn’t been gone long. I could still feel the cold embrace of the air, yet I could already feel how everything was waltzing to change. Just how the season changes. “Spring, come over here! The event will start soon. I saved you a seat!” Upon hearing his voice, I remained standing, not knowing what to do. My palms became sweaty and I couldn’t decide whether to turn my back or run away like an idiot. Wait—why am I fidgety about this? Why would I even want to avoid him or something? Should I pretend as if I heard or saw nothing, then head home straight to pick up where I left off in the book I was reading last week? I couldn’t help but contemplate. Why did I come here in the first place? I’m sure it’s not about the hot chocolate or the event. But one thing is for sure… I came here because I wanted to see and eventually meet someone. The only reason why I came here is because of the person who wanted me to believe that there was hope. That whatever happens, we can still move forward and begin again. Haruki, I don’t know why he’s just too determined to make me believe in the “spring magic,” which he always talks about and how it is the most beautiful season of the year. I couldn’t help but panic when I found myself walking towards him. I couldn’t turn 15

around or stop my pace. “Oh hey, I didn’t know you were here as well. Nice to see you!” What I just said was totally lame. I cursed under my breath for acting like an idiot…right in front of him. I was taken aback when he started laughing so hard, and I felt piercing eyes from people around us, or maybe it could just be him. “Hey, stop it, Haruki. People are looking at us. Why are you even laughing?” I asked in anger and confusion. He noticed that I was getting upset, so he immediately stopped and turned to me. I was left dumbfounded and bothered by his actions. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. I mean, who wears that on the first day of spring?” He teasingly said as he looked at my outfit. I am wearing a black faux leather jacket and black leather pants. I raised an eyebrow. What’s wrong with my clothes? “What’s wrong with it? It’s still winter. Can’t you see the snow piles around us?” I rolled my eyes, then he just smiled and bit his lower lip. Throughout the event, he never spoke a word, and he never looked at me. But I noticed how sweaty his palms were and that he was fidgeting with his hands. Here I am, trying to think of a way to break the awkwardness and silence between us. I was ready to talk to him, but he finally decided to speak. “I have something to show you. Follow me.” He said as he looked at me. I cannot read his mind, and I don’t know what it is that he wanted to show me, because at this point, my heart was also beating so fast. I did not know what to do. I was contemplating whether to ask him what he wanted to show or just wait for 16

him to show it. “Sure. Where are we going?” It’s not like I had to choose. I knew what my answer would be. I trust him so much as he is the only person who chooses to stay beside me. He always made sure that I was alright. He is my solace. We walked around the neighborhood until we reached a certain part of our village. I have never really seen this place before. We were on the side of the hill, and I was shocked to see a beautiful rock formation with spring water flowing down the stream. I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight before. I was in awe of what was in front of me. How did he know about this place? I shifted my gaze to the lovely scenery, and I realized he was giving me more reasons to believe in the splendor of this season. I closed my eyes and tried to seize the moment. Being with him means a lot to me. Ever since we were children, we were inseparable. I feel happy and safe whenever we are together. However, as we grew up, I found it harder to express my feelings, which I always had for him. I always chose to keep everything to myself. I chose not to say anything, even if I had a million chances to do so. How I wish I got to say how much I admire him and how grateful I am that he is here beside me. I wish I could thank him for everything he’s been doing to make me feel happy and loved. How I wish I could say it all, but I just can’t. After a few moments, I opened my eyes and turned my gaze to find him. I tried to look around and for his traces, only to find out he was no longer around. I can’t help but look above. I looked at the morning sky as the clouds drifted by. I closed my eyes once again, but this time, I felt warm tears caressing my cheeks. I felt everything that happened last spring come back all at once. 17

We cannot deny the fact that there are times when we make decisions because we think we are running out of time. Regardless of all the reasons we have in making decisions, I believe that if you want to pursue your dreams, you should start chasing them before it’s too late. Just like loving someone, say it before everything is too late. In the end, there is a huge possibility that we will regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were too afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. The first day of spring reminds me of how hopeless I was. I lost a friend. I lost him, I lost Haruki. Just like how spring is a time to begin again while keeping only the good and happy memories from the past, leaving the negativity and sadness behind. If only I could bring back the past. I would’ve taken chances and made different decisions. If there is one thing I learned from him, it would be how important it is to have hope. I hope for better days to come. 18

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 19

The Green’s Life Pleasure and Grief by Ziantal Samantha B. Lorenzo Cloudy blue skies in our eyes, Are fluffy and cute. Turns into dark cloud, Pours down to the ground. It freshens the greens, Brings life to the withered, And blooms the flowers, That our eyes can see. In spite of the beauty Damage has been done, Destruction is on the verge Dead and extinction Fire is in the woods aftermath, Turned blue skies into gray. Nature is almost eradicated, The man is the one to blame, With less chance of survival. For the ruination of life and Seeking help and peace, peace, To humans who only can Fires enrage and dominate, reverse, And destroys the living. The mistakes of man are done, Man throws garbage To the beauty and tranquility. everywhere, Nature mends gradually, Devoured by land and sea With few humans who care, animals, And reverses the catastrophe, Causing them to perish, At the forsaken Mother And then became extinct. Nature. Time is swiftly running, And it might be too late, To help and mend nature, 20 And to reverse the destruction.

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 21

A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Sunrise by Apollo “The whole world is now free from Covid-19,” I could almost taste the sweet ebullience dripping in every word of the DJ on the radio, lingering in my ears as I gazed at the picturesque view I have been watching every morning at 6 am for the past eight months of my life. I felt the soft, warm sunlight gently kiss every inch of my bronze- skinned face as the hue of bright yellow bloomed on the horizon. I heard the beats of my heart sway with the soothing rhythm of the melody only the birds in the trees can chant. My eyes slowly closed as the aromatic fragrance of my hot chocolate teased the corners of my nose. The nooks of my mouth rose as a vivid glimpse of my week started to flash in my memory. I was enthralled by the breathtaking beauty of the North with my family, which made my phone’s storage shout the phrase—“I’m full!”. I have basked under the golden sun with the white sand tickling my feet and paddled in the cool, pristine blue waters of the beach with my siblings. I got to experience cracking corny jokes in front of my friends 22

as we savoured the sweet-and-sour-flavored street foods. Never will I forget the cloud nine sensation of singing along with the soulful music of my favorite Filipino bands at their gigs. The dimmed movie house was brimmed with my boisterous screams and hearty laughs, together with my friends. I have shed tears, not of melancholia but of glee, because I could finally see the sunrise. The wonderful sunrise that ended the gloomy night and illuminated the world with its vibrant colours. “The increasing number of COVID-19 cases has brought terror to the whole world,” I can almost taste the acrid desolation dripping in every word of the DJ on the radio, lingering in my ears. The scent of the damp soil made my nose crease as the horrible truth slapped me, causing my eyes to slowly open. It is not a picturesque view, but a dull and plain one. It’s a freezing breeze of death, not soft, warm sunlight. It is not the hue of bright yellow that blooms on the horizon, but a fuzzy shade of gray that paints the sky. It is not the soothing rhythm of melody, chanted by the birds in the trees, but the deafening sounds of raindrops on our roof. A bitter smile formed on my lips because a bolt of realization had struck me. The realization that I saw neither the end of the gloomy night nor a vivid peek of my week, but merely a glimpse of tomorrow’s sunrise. 23

Gamophobia by Kleirisha M. Flor The sea’s too deep We were in the shallow Pure bliss and ecstasy Yet lingering in the shadow Your Aquarius looks were heaven sent; Maimed many, lured some If I reach for you I’ll drown My one and only escape town Three magical words at the tip of my tongue Never been said, never will come done Now I’ll keep it for both sake As if we have never crossed ways. 24

Photo by Micah Andres 25

Artwork by Hilary Pedronan 26

It is, by NaCl What it is. We sometimes need told one by one, to fail on games o’er and o’er. we’re good at. Again, it is what it is. We sometimes need They are part of us, the feeling of being ugly, yes betrayed by those but they are souvenirs feelings we use of battles we’ve fought as a disguise. within ourselves. Our trophies for We can play pretend, triumphs when we’ve we can act as if gotten over those pains. we are not scarred and scared at all. 27 Hence, not all the time we’ll be able to hide those ugly scars of pain. When we’re fed up, they tend to reveal themselves as their history are being

yDoeueptehrouthgahnt by Kate Corine R. Buduan The ocean symbolizes our thoughts, deeper than Marianas trench; more mysterious than the Bermuda triangle; wider than the earth; more powerful than people. Its calmness will remain not until the storm scatters the unified waves. The disruption of the ocean serenity became uncertain. Till it’ll be furious than an eruptive volcano; terrifying like a hungry lion. Losing its sanity. And in a nick of time, it became unsteady. The people are slowly murdering the purity. Poisoning the inner thoughts. Degrade the identity. That’s the birth of insecurities. Now, the confidence is creeping away. People take advantage of its vulnerability. Perhaps that’s the reason for building up the boundaries. But it maintained sincerity and openness. People can still swim and discover their thoughts. The more you dive, the more you know. But you need to be patient until you reach the bottom. Not all people can discover the beauty of mystery. Because the hidden treasure can only be possessed by the worthy. 28

Artwork by Justine Von B. Lagoc 29

30 Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua

L ove by Kerizle Monique C. Bartolome in some days you’re telling me you love me other days you’re hurting me like you never cared is this spontaneity or just inconsistency sort out your feelings or else we’ll end up destroying each other rather than building up and growing together 31

Dear Someone, You’ve left me ugly scars stitched into my heart — the day you decided to walk away from me. You’ve gifted me nightmares of how you belittled me, made a fool out of me, and stolen the love left for myself — and every night as I fall asleep, I always remember how you held me as you sang me a lullaby of goodbye, drifted me to sleep, as you slip away — leaving me unconsciously broken inside. 32

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 33

Photo by Clark Justine Galiza Artwork by Hanna May C. Gabriel 34

Fortuitous Life by Kclaire I never wanted a perfect life. I disliked the thought of plans for the future Maybe because I don’t want to be a failure. Or I just don’t think I’m ready for anything. Is this the plan I have for myself? Or is this the plan God has for me? Can I just go with the flow? I can’t because I have a lot to disappoint. They believe in me and tell me I’m smart. Don’t they know it overwhelms my heart? I don’t want to be a failure, so I always strive. But my emotions always drag me, so I cry. Life will always surprise us, I guess. I think that’s the reason for my loneliness. I am not strong; I just learn how to move on. Because I am just a human after all. 35

NAWAWALA by Ynah Salazar Sino ba talaga ako Ano ba talaga ako Palagi na lang ganito Nakakasawang pakinggan ang ako Ako na hindi ko kilala ang sarili ko Sarili ko na pinipilit kong magbago Magbago kung ano ang kulang sa aking pagkatao Ako’y tuluyang napapagod na Napapagod na ang aking mata Aking mata puno ng luha Luhang lumalabas ay tuyot na Gusto kong lumayas Sapagkat ako ay hindi makalayas Makalayas na sana pero nandiyan ang aking pamilya Pamilya na di ko maintindihan kung ano ba ako sa kanila Ako ba’y may problema Problema sa aking isipan Isipan na puno ng mga katanungan Katanungan na hindi ko masagotan Masagotan kung bakit palagi na lang ako’y naguguluhan Naguguluhan sa mga naririnig ko sa aking isipan Na sana gusto kong iwasan at hindi iintindihin Iintindihin na mga nagsasalita sa aking isipan 36

Artwork by Hanna May C. Gabriel 37

Artwork by Clark Justine A. Galiza 38

Dear someone, 39 What if I start missing you again? I mean, what if a part of me is still longing for you? I know, I walked away first ─ but why I find myself running back into your arms again. I could vividly see how I reached out to your hands; but can’t hardly remember if you tried to look at me before you pulled away. I missed you. I still miss you. I do. And you know what? I disgustingly hate this feeling ─ why does it has always be me, crossing the bridge I’ve burned; pacing towards you who’s trying to figure out why I walked away from our relationship. Love, Your ex-girlfriend a couple of weeks ago

Zodiac Signs by Kleirisha M. Flor Aquarius eyes and simple smiles I once fell for that chinito guy Cancer made me a rebel Tossed arguments like pebble Pisces was a good hearted boy Sadly as day goes by I felt like he just made me his toy Taurus my one that got away Was took faster than a bullet train on a subway Scorpio also had a chance Too bad he’s too young for a dance Sagittarius might me a great match Yet oh, sweet heavens! I don’t want to get attached! Capricorn, Virgo, Gemini, Leo, Libra and Aries Six signs I might’ve encountered but missed My growing youth I wanna cherish Zodiac signs aren’t really my ‘true love’ basis 40

Artwork by Aian Mark Menor 41

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 42

Pagkikita by Russel Joy L. Pascua Para tayong nasa magkabilang dulo ng mundo, Milya-milyang pagitan, mga labi mo’y gustong mahagkan. Sa relasyon nating distansiya ang pumapagitan, Panalangin ko lang na tayo’y maghintayan. Magkikita din tayo at ipinapangako, Pasasalubungan kita ng mahigpit na yakap ko. Mahigpit na yakap ko’y kay tagal nang naghihintay, 43 Sabik na mahawakan ang iyong mga kamay. Sa lalim ng gabi’y pagmamasdan ka, Na tila ba isa ka sa mga bumabang tala. Nagniningning na mga mata mo, Naakit mo agad ang aking puso. Ganito pala ang sagot sa panalangin, Bibigyan ka ng isang anghel na mamahalin.

Pusong Napagal by Mensaherang Asul Mga pangakong napako na maihahalintulad sa ibong nakahawla Ang pag-iibigang maihahalintulad sa lawa na patuloy ang pag-agos na ngayo’y natuyo na Mga masisiglang palay na maihahalintulad sa iyong ngiti na ngayo’y nalanta na Ang bagyo ng iyong pagmamahal ay tila ambon na lang Ang liwanag ng iyong pagmamahal ay tulad ng isang araw Na ngayo’y natakpan na ng mga ulap Ang pag-ibig mong maihahalintulad sa isang lamparang nagbibigay ng liwanag sa madilim na mundo Tulad na lang ito ng alitaptap na aandap- andap Ang pag-ibig mong sinlaki ng buwan Na ngayo’y naging lansones na lang Ang sumpaan nating tayong dalawa lang at wala ng iba Ngunit bakit ngayon ay ang salitang ‘tayo’ ay naglaho na Mga matatamis mong salita na tulad ng awit ng isang ibon Na tila ba ngayo’y napipi na Ang pag-ibig na akala ko’y magtatagal hanggang wakas Na ngayo’y nag-iwan ng malaking bakas Ang pangako mong maglalakad tayo na puno ng kandila sa dalampasigan Ngunit ngayo’y nag-iisa sa kawalan 44

Ang pangako mong lalakbayin natin ang mundo Ngunit ngayon iniwan mo sa gitna ng dagat habang may bagyo Mga halik mong kasing tamis ng atis Na ngayo’y mas maalat na kesa patis Mga yakap mong nagpapakalma Na ngayo’y kaba na ang dala Mga haplos mong nagpapalundag ng puso Na ngayon ay parang hangin na lang na bumubugso Mga hawak mong kay higpit Na ngayo’y inaalis mong pilit Mga tingin mong parang magneto Na ngayo’y napalitan na ng pagkalito Iniisip ko na panaginip lang ang lahat ng ito Ngunit sinampal ako ng mga salitang ‘hindi na ako’ Akala ko ba hanggang dulo ng mundo? Ngunit ngayo’y hinayaan mo na sa aking mata’y kalungkutan ay tumutulo Tama nga ang sinabi sa bibliya “walang permanente sa mundo” Ngunit salamat sa mga malulungkot at masasayang ala-ala na dala mo Photo by Kerizle Monique C. Bartolome 45

46 Artwork by Danica Palafox Vertido

Heart’s Agony by Kclaire Never ending life stories Newsfeeds full of pain and mysteries Here I am browsing something interesting Want to take a bet and guess it? What pops out into your head? Is it the life of someone I dislike? Or is it someone I love? Smirking at you, because you prove me right, you are indeed shallow. I am looking at my life, you know. Asking how did I turn out like this? Is it worth all the pain and suffering? No one can answer it, but time will tell, I hope. I am still young, but I worry like I’m old. Maybe Yes, I am old enough to be blamed. Old enough to disappoint and fail, And old enough not to care. 47

Irog ko by Aira G. Corpuz Itong ating kwento na sinubok na ng tadhana di mabilang mga sandaling ngiting nagmarka sa puso nating nag-aalab mga pagkakataong luha na pumatak sa mga mata na dumaloy sa puso na siyang dahilan, dahilan ng mga lungkot subalit sya ring dahilan sa mga kaligayahan na kailanman di matutumbasan ng ginto at pilak. Kung hawak ko ang oras Walang alinlangan ko itong uubusin kasama ka. Dumaan ang araw lumipas ang panahon Subalit sa paglipat ng kalendaryo May ikaw pa rin at ako Dasal ko sa Poong Maykapal Ikaw na hanggang sa huli Sa huling hibla ng aking buhok Sa huling pagpikit ng aking mga mata Sa huling tibok ng puso ko Kasama nun ang pagmamahal ko sayo Mahal, ikaw lang ang aking irog Mula sa pagsikat at paglubog ng araw Ikaw ang nais na kasama. 48

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 49

Artwork by France Lawrence R. Nostares 50