FLAME Seasons

Aster is my schoolmate. Just like the literal meaning of his name in Greek, which is “star,” he is like the star in our school. He’s not a heartthrob for no reason. He’s got it all. His looks, brain, and even personality and attitude set him apart from all the other boys in our school. I was just looking at him, unsure if I was the one he was trying to speak with. I looked around and it’s pretty much just the two of us here in this far side corner of the tower. He is wearing a wool overcoat, black pants, and his brown Timberland boots. I was in awe just by looking at him. When I was a freshman, I immediately liked him when I first saw him. He was in the library with his friends. He was so focused on reading the classic novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. I was so fascinated because I’ve never actually seen someone like him. He’s almost perfect. The thing is, we’ve never really interacted before. I am an introvert, which means I usually avoid socializing with other people, except for Crystal. Maybe we had already crossed our paths before, but I was too focused on something or I just really didn’t mind the people around me. “Snow waiting for the snow to come. That’s cool.” He smiled. Did he just say my name? Does he know me? He looked at me, and that’s when I finally realized he was referring to me. I timidly smiled. “I’m Aster, by the way. Nice to meet you.” He offered his hand, and if I was one of his “fans” in school, I would have fainted and freaked out by his gesture. I looked at his hand for a few seconds before I held out mine. I quickly got my hand back and placed it under my coat. Almost everyone knows him, and I’m no exception to that. He is famous and loved by many in our school. Some girls even give him gifts every day. That’s how 151

influential he is. If other girls were here in my position, I am sure they would freak out. “I’m Snow. It’s nice to meet you too.” I tried to keep it cool, even though my hands are shaking right now. Why is he here anyway? He’s the last person I would expect to meet here. “I know.” He looked at me as his smile flickered across his face. His smile was as cold and lovely as frost on a windowpane. I felt my cheeks burning even though the weather was so cold. “How do you know me?” I wasn’t able to hold my curiosity back, so I asked him. He leaned his back onto the metal bar where I was resting my elbows. We were now facing each other. “Well, I just…. know. By the way, are you here for the event as well?” I wanted to know more about how he knew me but since he decided to shift the topic, I just pushed the thoughts away. “Yes, and you?” I asked. He turned around, and now we’re both facing the tall building beside this tower and the streets just below us. I’ve always loved this place, but I even love it more now. “Do you believe in love at first snowfall?” He did not answer my question. I looked at him in shock. I can’t believe he’s asking the same question I’ve been trying to ask myself. Does true love at first snowfall really exist? 152

“I...I don’t know…” I muttered, thinking about what he had just asked and all that was happening right now. I just really can’t believe that we are having this conversation. “To answer your question as to why I am here, it’s actually because I wanted to find out the truth for myself. I want to know if there is something about the first snowfall.” He said. I looked at him, and his eyes were full of wonder. His eyes were almost telling me what he was feeling and thinking right now. “What do you mean by the truth? Are you trying to test if the beliefs are real?” I can’t help but ask because I was just really curious about what he said. “I wanted to confess to someone… Someone who’s been on my mind for a long time already. I just don’t know what to do or how to say it.” When he looked at me, I felt sadness with a bit of excitement in his eyes. Who could that someone be? I suddenly don’t know what to feel. “Who could that someone be?” I think I was not able to hold back my thoughts this time. I must have said it out loud. He looked at me and I knew he was thinking about whether he would say it or not. “It’s your best friend, Crystal.” I suddenly felt a sting in my heart. I don’t know if I heard it right, but... Crystal? Is he referring to my best friend? I tried to smile, but I just couldn’t. Not today. When I meet him, he has plans to confess his love to my best friend. I don’t know exactly what to feel right now, but happiness isn’t the right word for it. It was not fun to hear that the guy that I like also likes someone else. What makes it worse is that he likes my best friend. Part of me wants my best friend to be happy, but another part 153

of me wants to keep him for myself. It’s a battle inside my head. “Oh, well then, good luck! I hope you get to confess to her. Just please, please don’t break her heart.” I said. I did not bother to look at him anymore, I immediately walked away. I don’t even know where I’m going right now. I don’t know what to feel. I’m just… I don’t know if “hurt” is the right word to describe this feeling. All I know is that I did not like what I heard. After a few minutes, I arrived at my home. I went up to my room and began to continue writing the story I was working on last night. I believe I finally now have the answer to my question. What if this beautiful season turned out to be the worst season of your year? What if your wishes won’t come true? What if you lose the person you love during this season? “True love on the first day of snowfall is not guaranteed. Not all who fall in love get the happy ending that they want. Not all married couples stay together forever. Not everyone who witnesses the snowfall together remains for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, we might think that we have met ‘the one,’ but that person might already have someone they already love. All we have to do is accept the reality, because true love is all about valuing the happiness of the person you love and making their happiness your happiness as well. True love is measured by how deeply you fall in love and how willing you are to sacrifice for the person you love. Even if it means letting them go, you will be hurt just for them to be happy and free. That is true love. 154

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 15353

156 Artwork by Hanna May C. Gabriel

Allow me to weep in silence tonight Let me embrace this inevitable plight Think about the people who came and left Think about how they gave me happiness And how they walked out from me How they disappeared without knowing why Think how the conversation slowly died How we stopped seeing each other And suddenly, I was back to being a stranger Yet I smile and laugh all the time But it’s just difficult to pretend that I’m fine You made me fall in love with sunflowers And I kept it close to my heart Now that it ended, it’s so hard to restart But never forget, you’re still my sunshine Though obviously, you can’t be mine. Deaf to the sound of my desire Your coldest heart, not melted by my fire Why does emptiness feel so heavy? Why am I always unlucky? It’s true, you’re not pushing me away Yet you’re doing nothing to make me stay. I will cry those tears of emptiness tonight For now, I’m slowly trying to be alive, Someday my heart will have a stronger life. -Jessie 157

You fall, you lose. by Alice in Neverland Do you mind me asking? If you wanted me to I wonder what game are part of your game, there’s you trying to play with nothing to lose though me? Honestly, the moment I tried to get involved One moment, with a player as you you want me I knew that I’d lose it, then the next second, I’d definitely lose myself to you. you’re pushing me away. You’ve been hot It is up to you, and cold with me. if you either take me as your trophy, a display who belong I couldn’t decipher to your collection your gestures or treat me as your sweet success and words. you’d want to cherish for the I couldn’t figure out rest of your life. if you really wanted me or not. 158

Artwork by Justine Von B. Lagoc 159

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 160

Dad in Heaven by TheThoughtsofUntolds Missing your hug this time of the year Ending it with bittersweet tear I miss you, hoping you’ll hear My only wish is that you are here. I’ve lost you in the midst of a war A war that ended your life that tear us apart You are so close but yet so far So, I write letters and put them in a jar. The only thing that is left is memories Memories of my dad written in diaries My mom would always tell me stories Stories how great my dad is Dad, thank you and I love you I don’t hate you nor forsake you I look up in the sky and it is blue I smile because I know it’s you who wants to play peek a boo. 161

White Lies by Mensaherang Asul Matagal nang magkasintahan sina Ellie at Jeford, mag-aapat na taon na. Legal sila both sides. Masaya yung relasyon nilang dalawa. But just like an ordinary couple may mga misunderstanding din sila pero mas pinili nilang magstay sa isa’t-isa. Gustong-gusto ni Tita Cela si Ellie para sa kaniyang anak. Siya yung pinakanagustuhan ni Tita Cela na naging girlfriend ng kaniyang anak. Kaya naman, iyon na ang pinakamasayang bagay para kay Ellie. Dumating ang araw na aksidenteng narining ni Jeford ang pag-uusap ng mga magulang Ni Ellie. “Mahal sa tingin mo karapat-dapat ba si Jeford para kay Ellie? ‘Di ba kasi hindi na siya nag-aaral pero masipag naman siya pero mahihirapan siyang makapaghanap ng trabaho kasi hindi siya nakapag-aral.” Sabi ni Maxi, mama ni Ellie. “Naisip ko na nga din iyan mahal eh, baka mahirapan lang si Ellie kapag nagkataon kasi siya yung magtratrabaho para sa kanilang dalawa.” Pagsang-ayon naman ni Henry, papa ni Ellie. Nang malaman ni Jeford iyon, tila ba nawalan na siya ng ganang mabuhay kaya naglasing siya ng sobra. Inaawat na siya ng tito niya kaya siya yung napagbuntungan niya ng galit, minura-mura niya ang tito niya. Pati na rin ang mga magulang niya ay napagbuntungan niya ng galit. 162

Pagkatapos ng insidenteng iyon nakarating sa mga magulang ni Ellie ang nangyari. Nadismaya sila ng todo kay Jeford dahil sa ginawa nito sa kaniyang tito at mga magulang niya. Kaya napagdesisyonan ni Henry na kausapin ang anak nitong si Ellie. “Anak alam mo naman yung nangyari diba? Hiwalayan mo na yung lalaking iyon anak. Wala kang magandang mapapala doon.” Ani ng ama ni Ellie. “Pero pa mahal ko po si Jeford. Mabait po si Jeford pa.” “Hay nako Ellie ang tigas ng ulo mo! Mapapakain ka ba ng pagmamahal niya kapag nag-asawa na kayo ah? Tsaka ganon ba ang mabait? Wala siyang modo, wala siyang respeto sa tito niya. Pati mga magulang niya nagawa niyang pagsalitaan ng masama.” “Papa hindi mo naman makikilala kung sino ang isang tao sa isang pagkakamali lang. Kung inulit niya yung pagkakamali niya Pa, saka mo siya husgahan. Basta, hindi ko po hihiwalayan si Jeford kahit anong mangyari.” Pagkatapos ng insidenteng iyon hindi na kailanman pumunta si Jeford sa bahay nila Ellie. Kung magkita sila ay patago na lang. Nagpatuloy pa rin ang pagmamahalan nilang dalawa. Hindi sinabi ni Jeford kay Ellie yung mga narinig niya galing sa mga magulang ng kanyang kasintahan. Ilang beses nang sinabi ng mga magulang ni Ellie na hiwalayan na niya si Jeford pero ipinaglaban niya ito kaya hinayaan na lamang nila silang sumaya. 163

Ngunit isang araw bigla na lamang parang nalanta ang pag-iibigang sabay nilang inalagaan. Palagi na silang nag-aaway dahil wala nang oras si Jeford sa kaniya. “Let’s end this! I’m not happy anymore Ellie. Sawa na ako diyan sa ugali mo! Pagod na ako. Ayoko na.” “What? Ganon na lang ‘yon? Ipinaglaban kita Jeford!” “Dito rin naman ang punta natin diba? So bakit ko pa papatagalin? I’m tired Ellie. I need a break.” “Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi? Dito lang din pala ang punta nito? Haha, sana sinabi mo na noon pa para hindi na sana kita ipinaglaban Jef!” “I’m sorry. Someday you’ll understand me. Thank you for everything Ellie.” Sobrang nawasak si Ellie sa hiwalayan nilang dalawa. Hindi niya alam kung paano pa siya haharap sa mga magulang niya dahil iyong lalaking ipinaglaban niya noon iniwan na siya. Paulit-ulit na tinatanong ni Ellie ang kanyang sarili kung bakit ganon na lang siya kadaling iwan ni Jeford pagkatapos ng halos apat na taong relasyon na ipinaglaban nilang dalawa. --------After 7 years------- “Mommy I want that toy!” Masayang sabi ng cute na batang lalake. Nasa mall sila ng kaniyang anak dahil day-off nito ngayon at kasalukayan namang busy ang kaniyang asawa. Isa nang Registered Nurse si Ellie at nakapangasawa siya ng isang doktor. Pagkatapos ng ilang taon matapos 164

ang hiwalayan nila ni Jeford ay nakatagpo muli siya ng kasintahang masasabi niyang panghabang-buhay na. Habang papalabas sila ng kaniyang anak, nang may nakabangga silang matipunong lalaki. “Ay pasensya na po.” Pagpaumanhin ni Ellie. “Ellie?” Sabi ng lalaki. “Jeford?” “Oh kumusta ka na Ellie?” “Eto okay lang naman. Eto pala si Nathan, anak ko. Eh ikaw?” “Eto okay lang rin hehe. Congrats.” “Thanks. Sige una na kami.” “Uhm, can we talk?” “Okay sige. Doon na lang tayo sa fastfood chain gutom na ‘tong anak ko eh.” Nagtungo nga sila doon. “Okay go on.” Saad ni Ellie. “About what happened years ago. Maybe you understand now?” 165

“Understand what?” “Why I broke up with you Ellie. I did that because I want you to find someone who’s capable of sustaining your needs. Because I can’t. Heto lang kasi ako eh hindi ako nakapag-aral. Kinain ako ng kahinaan, sorry.” “Why did you do that? Bakit hindi ka nagtiwala sa akin? Kaya ko naman buhayin yung pamilya natin kung sakali eh.” “No. I don’t want you to suffer because of me. Narinig ko noon na nag- uusap yung mga magulang mo Ellie. Sinabi nila na hindi kita mabubuhay kapag nag-asawa na tayo kasi hindi ako nakapag-aral. Ayaw ng papa mo na ikaw ang magtrabaho para mabuhay tayo. So I decided to break up with you kasi tama sila hindi kita kayang buhayin. Matagal ko ding pinag- isipan yon but I didn’t regret my decision because you’re far from being okay now. Maganda na ang buhay mo ngayon and I am happy for that.” Hindi nakapagsalita si Ellie matapos marinig iyon. Naluha siya dahil sa mga sinabi ni Jeford sa kaniya. “Hey don’t cry! I am sorry for everything. I just want closure. I will not bother you anymore. Besides ikakasal na rin ako.” “You’re forgiven Jef. Hindi ko lang lubos akalain na yun pala yung rason mo.” Sabi ni Ellie at ngumiti. True love needs sacrifice. Even if it will hurt you but for the one you love, you will do it. True love isn’t about ending up with each other, but sometimes, it’s about the art of letting go. 166

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 116479

Photo by Daniel Sina 168

You’re broken inside and depression slowly chipping you away, devouring every inch of you. You are a hostage of your own sadness and misery, and you thought leaving everything behind is the only option you got as an escape. You would not even be able to fight negativity back. Everyone hates you, that’s what you think. But what’s worse is, you hate yourself. You can’t even love and comfort yourself anymore. You sometimes choose to stop breathing for a while just to feel not the agonizing pain of sorrow. Or maybe it is really hard for you to breathe. The burden you carry on your heart, weighs so much that you could not even step forward. And day by day, the weight you have gets heavier. You felt that the only person that is responsible for yourself is you. You felt utterly alone. You’ve been struggling through difficulty all by yourself. You are not alone. You fought well. Author: Melancholia 169

Takip-silim by Mensaherang Asul Nakaupo tayo sa dalampasigan ng kaligayahan Habang nakatunghay sa papalubog na araw ng kalungkutan Ito ang araw na aking inaasam-asam Dahil sa wakas ako’y iyo ring nagustuhan Saksi ang hangin sa tamis ng ating pagmamahalan Saksi rin ang buhangin sa ating kasiyahan Saksi ang mga alon sa ating katatagan Saksi rin ang mga ibon sa mga pangakong ating binitawan Ngunit unti-unti kang nilalamon ng dapit-hapon Sinampal ako ng realidad nang ika’y tuluyang naglaho Tuluyang nang linamon ng kadiliman ang kaligyahan ko Nagising ako sa katotohanang panagip lang pala ito Panaginip lang pala ang kay tamis na sandali Panaginip lang pala na ako ang dahilan ng iyong mga ngiti Kung sa panagip ka lang magiging akin Mas nanaisin ko pang hindi na magising Sinisid ko ang kailaliman ng mga tanong sa aking isipan 170

Ngunit nalunod lang ako sa mga kasagutan Kasagutang nagpapasakit sa aking damdamin Ang katotohang hindi ka magiging akin Kaya kitang dalhin sa paraiso ng kaligayahan Kaya kong ibsan ang iyong kalungkutan Ngunit lahat ng ito ay walang kabuluhan Sapagkat kailanma’y di mo ko magugustuhan Tama na ang minsang nakasama ka Kahit sa panaginip lang ako’y naging maligaya Gusto kita kaso ako’y susuko na Sapagkat ang puso mo’y pag-aari na ng iba Kasabay ng takip-silim ay ang paglubog ng aking nararamdaman Kasabay nang paglimot sa sayang dulot ng kadiliman Ang pagsikat ng araw ay ang paghilom ng mga iniwang sugat Sugat na naging dahilan kung bakit ako matatag 171

172 Artwork by Justine Von B. Lagoc

Hindi lang minsan by Tatsulok Minsan, hindi ko na lang maintindihan. May mga oras na bigla na lang akong niyayakap ng lungkot. May mga araw naman na bigla na lang akong binabalot ng sakit at puot. Minsan, natatagpuan ko na lang na yapos ko ang aking sarili at hindi mapigilan ang masaganang pagbuhos ng luha. Hindi ko naman alam kung bakit bigla na lang akong nakakaramdam ng ganito. Basta ang alam ko, minsan, hindi ko na rin kayang intindihin ang aking sarili. Kaya minsan, hinihiling kong huwag na lang magising sa mga umagang hindi naman maipaliwanag kung bakit ako nakakaramdam ng ganito. Minsan ayoko na lang makipagpatintero sa buhay — ang hirap kase yung araw-araw pakiramdam mo hindi mo na kilala ang sarili mo. Sa totoo lang, hindi lang minsan — kundi madalas wala na akong ganang mabuhay pa. 173

For a while by Maria Irish Lucas How does it feel to be chosen? How does it feel to be taken? Taken by those who truly see my worth Without making me feel hurt. Perhaps, this is what I deserve To be left behind by whom I gave my all Can’t restrain myself from falling For I knew, I found my home. I thought you are the one But eventually, you are gone You made me feel special But found out, I am not your essential Maybe this time I’ll be having the courage To walk away from someone Whom I once genuinely gave my heart 174

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 175

176 Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua

Kasarian o Kasiraan by Russel Joy L. Pascua Mga matang mapanghusga, tila ako’y nilulunod ng mga salita. Na para bang ako’y iniihaw sa apoy na nagbabaga. Mga labi niyong bulong ay kritisismo, hindi ako papatalo. Lamunin kayo ng lupa dahil sa kagandahan ko. Kagandahang hindi nakikita sa panlabas na anyo. Kagandahang umuukit sa kaloob-looban ng puso. Kailanma’y hindi kasalanan ang pagsunod sa kung ano ang tunay na nararamdaman. Hanggat wala kang inaapakan, hindi ka talo sa laban. Hindi ko na lubos mabilang ang mga lait niyong di masikmura ang nilalaman. Akala niyo ako’y inyong malalamangan, pero mautak ako at ito ay may laman. Kilos ko’y inyong pinagtatawanan, kulang na lang ako ay duraan. Kasariang sinisiraan na dapat sana’y niyayakap ng pantay- pantay. Hindi sayang ang katulad kong lumabas sa tunay na kaanyuan. Dahil kailanma’y hindi kasalanan ang bumigay sa tunay na nararamdaman. Anong mali sa kilos ko na hindi tugma sa aking kasarian? Dahil hindi batayan ang kasarian sa magiging papel sa lipunan. 177

Kasaysayang Nakalimutan by Mensaherang Asul Sa linayo-layo ng linakbay ko Maraming sumubok sa katatagan ko Maraming dumating na delubyo Ngunit kailanma’y hindi sumuko Naglakad ng milya-milya Upang masumpungan ang pagsinta Nagtiis sa init ng araw Para lang ika’y matanaw Minahal kita higit pa sa lalim ng karagatan Minahal kita higit pa sa bilang ng patak ng ulan Minahal kita higit pa sa bundok na kataas-taasan Minahal kita higit pa sa lawak ng kalupaan. Ako ang naging sandigan mo sa lahat Ako ang nagpagaan sa damdamin mong kay bigat Ako ang naging tagapagligtas mo Ako ang magmamahal sayo hanggang dulo Saka mo lang ako naaalala kapag may problema ka Saka mo lang ako naaalala kapag ika’y mag-isa na Saka mo lang ako naaalala kapag nasasaktan ka Saka mo lang ako naaalala kapag may kailangan ka Ngunit noong ako ang nangailangan sayo nasan ka? 178

Hindi mo ako pinansin at sumama ka sa kanila Ang loob mo ay tuluyang lumayo Na naging dahilan upang ako’y iyong ipagkanulo “Ipako sa krus!” Iyan ang paulit-ulit na naririnig ko Puso ko’y nagsusumamo Sapagkat mangyayari na ang nakasaad sa libro Mangyayari na ang salitang ‘SAKRIPISYO’ Noong pasan ko ang krus Pangalan mo’y aking sinisigaw Bawat hampas ng latigo Ay tanda ng pag-ibig ko sayo Mga tadyak at palo Mga dura at pangungutya Bawat hampas ng latigo ay nag-iiwan ng bakas Na nagpapaalalang ‘sana hindi masayang ang isinakripisyo ko para sa lahat’ Muli akong naglakbay At sa pagkakataong ito ay ang nagbabasa nito ang kasama ko Patungo sa paraisong dala’y walang hanggang buhay “Huwag mong sayangin ang pagkamatay ko sa krus, anak!” Lubos na nagmamahal, JESUS 179  

180 Artwork by Aian Mark Menor

Hi-Ra-Ya by Kclaire Hiraya, can you hear me? I am losing what I ought to be. Can you help me to figure things out? I am lost and nowhere to be found. Hiraya, can you feel my pain? I know you’re out there listening but I guess this pain is in vain. I still keep on fighting, can you fight for me please? I am so exhausted, can you get me out of this phase? Hiraya, are you still there? Have you grown tired listening to my nightmare? I am really losing my sanity, please help me. If not, should I just rest for eternity? Love and hope is all I wanted But it seems that it cannot be granted Calling Hiraya is such a mistake Because I am Hiraya that everybody outtakes. 181

Dear Moon, It’s been a long time since I talked to you. I guess I was just busy enjoying life and forgot I have a friend named Moon, which is you. I am sorry for talking to you only during my darkest times. Am I that shameless, or is it alright? Sadly, I’ve got nothing but you for tonight. You know there are times when I think life is quite dreamy, but it really gets messy most of the time. Before I talked to you, I was happy, but I realized how I felt so empty. Your silence gives me the courage to be loud. I can be who I am when I’m talking to you, no pressure and expectations; it’s just me and you. I know even if I don’t say it in words, you’ll understand my pain. I don’t know. Maybe you have superpowers that can read my soul. Thank you again for tonight, my friend; at least I was not being alone and left behind in the dark. Keep being the light in my darkest time. Love, The girl in the dark 182

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 183

184 Artwork by Justine Von B. Lagoc

Trusting is Vain by Kclaire They say trusting is a brave act. Is it? Or am I just a dumb hypocrite? I was trying to fix the mess you made. But you’re still showing them how our love upgrades. Still, my heart beats for you. My trust for you is somehow tainted You broke my heart into million pieces But my love for you is true Do you ever reflect and think about the damage you have caused? Or you just shrugged it away, knowing I’ll stay? Maybe you met someone better than me. I guess it’s the end of our so-called story. I trusted you with all my heart. I gave you everything that I had. But how could you do this to me? Is the pain I’m feeling worth it for the memories you gave me? 185

Quaranthing by Nuwebe We lost a mother, a child, a sibling— the one we love. And you— you left me with a sob. The Pandemic brought history. From each and everyone— we’re all affected, differently. Under the state of quarantine, A lot of people are suffering. Under the thousand of stars, Is my wish, through a susurrus from afar. As the number of cases increased. Is my love for him that will never cease. The vaccines are not yet discovered, and so— The reason for letting you go. The goods are given to everyone in need, As well as my love given to you, that is pure indeed. Frontliners and doctors at risk, And your name was written on my wrist. Fear of getting the virus, I stayed inside. To get protected, I chose to hide. Containing the same fear you would notice, I protected my feelings, so I wouldn’t lose you in bliss. 186

Everyone was hopeful, of ending this pandemic And that no one will ever get sick. With the unspoken truth of time, Will also end the untold mystery of mine. As our land got the high number of cases we couldn’t imagine Still the vaccines— cannot be seen. Is you, being with me And all that I could feel was ecstasy. Each people had their own thing, Just to ease the bore they’re feeling. And me, feeling a little anxious I can’t bear it— can’t help to feel ominous. As everyone prayed that this will stop, And classes would go normal and the cases would drop. Is me— bearing my greatest agony.. From the biggest scar of my memory. The way people experimented things during the pandemic Are you experimenting on me, being your pastime— not your main chic. And how people reminisce of their past— happy, laughing and everything. Are you still loving your past, while me thinking— I’m just for quarantine. 187

Artwork by Louise Julius Vince Solsoloy 188

Voyage by Ezralen Malines You have been a blessing to us You opened our eyes to see the lights In our darkness. When life turns chaotic, you were there Your smile and kindness are very contagious You infected us all. You gave the courage to withstand the dare of life, To take on the truth and resist the Evil’s snare. And now, as the day dawns in the next voyage of our life, you left us physically and continue your voyage with the Lord. We will not forget you The teachings, encouragement, and lessons You taught us will always engrave in our hearts and minds. We thank you for your life as it will always be your living testimony. We will never forget you. You are now at home with the Lord. 189

The Illusion by NaH I’m here stuck in the dark Without anyone in sight I am feeling sadness and sorrow Don’t know what to do I heard so many voices in my head Endless chattering I want to be free But I’m still stuck here Many eyes were watching my every move Eyes that were full of judgment and hostility. Tears flood like a river Caged like a bird Scarred and hurt In this super dark world Inside this damned cage, I’m laughing out loud Because of these fucking tears, I’m having difficulty seeing Longing for the light But I’m stranded without any exit 190

Artwork by Justine Von B. Lagoc 191

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 192

Agape Mou by Kleirisha M. Flor Letting you go was the hardest Because I fell for you the longest What we had was magical Exquisite art, colorful as a festival I painted you blue You painted me too Eight months was long yet too short I adored you but what was it all for?; When at the second time around you’re the first to call it quits We never had proper closure Due to long distance and social media exposure Agape Mou you were one of a kind So rare and hard to find We’ve gone thru a lot but promise me this you’ll remember Soon you’ll get better Once you find a new lover 193

Room 108 by Aquiqoutes I’d like to surprise you, So I walked in silence. Counting one, two, three, Before I opened your door. Glasses and empty wines, Were strewn across the floor. Red fluids have been varnished, In various corners of your room. I can’t believe it, John. Fly into the firmament. I’m ready to wear the orange shirt, I can just give you the justice that you deserve. 194

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 195

196 Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua

Stolen Glances by Aurora Out in the street, 197 among the people I’ve met and brushed off with, only you and the remnants of your traces have lingered so much that I couldn’t stop thinking of you. It was just one heart-stopping moment, but it feels like my heart won’t beat the same after knowing such astonishing gentleman exists. Just few stolen glances, but I couldn’t take away my eyes from you as you walked away until I couldn’t see those broad back of yours. And I was left wondering, What’s your name? When will I get to see you again, the one who literally got me away.

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 198

Artwork by Russel Joy Pascua 199

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