FLAME Seasons

Safety Wife by Kleirisha M. Flor Plans on getting married Having kids settling at 30’s Buying a luxurious house or even a mansion Despite the thought of being a second option “Be my safety wife” you uttered in our conversation I laughed and said “okay” without any hesitation Now that our future’s kind of secure Let’s now focus more on our present View perspectives at a bigger picture Good thing your safety wife’s a heaven sent 51

Preceded by Aquiqoutes I went outside alone at night Dark, can’t see any direction But the moon rises from the east And it brought me light. I went back inside, for my lenses l can see the moon so clearly now But the star just rose in its vicinity And that makes me feel sad. Cause you are the moon And she’s your star Now I’m the one holding a telescope And watching you both shine together. 52

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 53

Summer 54

The day before summer ends… Have you ever felt like you’re drawn into a place like how bees are drawn to flowers, and how they need water and sunlight to live? Have you ever felt drawn to a person like how moths are drawn to flames? Just like bees and moths, we are all drawn into something. There will always be this one thing or person that will pique our interest, and unexpectedly, we will gradually get stuck into. Slowly, we realized that we were already in love, not knowing that it had the power to make us feel different things. Like the rays of sunlight that caress our cheeks and give us warmth, it can also be a flame that smolders us to ashes. “How are you going to spend this year’s summer break, Isla?” Skye, my classmate who happens to be my best friend, asked. She’s feeling ecstatic, dreamy, and thrilled about the upcoming summer break. We are currently having the most uninteresting, yet last class before summer break comes. Most of us are not really attentive, and are surely already planning how we will have an amazing summer that we can boast about to our friends when we get back to school again. I mean, that’s how it usually is, right? The more places you visit or money you spend during the summer, the cooler and more amazing the summer break can be. I diverted my attention and tried to focus on what my teacher was writing on the board. I was not really interested in the lesson. My focus is more on the things that I will do for the summer break. Skye actually had me there. She got me daydreaming about what I should do to make my summer a blast before I enter university. Since I’ll be busy as a university student, it would be hard for me to do the usual routine 55

like I usually do, such as mountain climbing and other adventurous things. Growing up, I always heard why my parents named me Isla, and it never gets old. My mother once went on a vacation to an island where she met my father, who was also visiting there. It is, too, the place where they fell in love. I really find it fascinating how it is possible for some people to fall in love with a place and a person at the same time. Love at first sight is a beautiful thing. However, falling in love at the right time and place with the right person is the most beautiful thing that could ever happen to someone. That’s why they named me Isla, a souvenir of the long-lasting love that bloomed when they met each other, as written by fate on an island of all places. I was snapped out of my thoughts when the school bell rang, which indicated the end of our class. Everyone started to stand from their seats. Some immediately went out, some stayed inside the room and talked about their plans for the summer break. I was fixing my desk when Skye sat beside me, and I could see and feel how excited she was for the break. “So, what are your plans?” she asked, smiling. I hit her shoulder, which made her roll her eyes, and I just laughed. “Do you think I have plans?” I asked. And she just shrugged as a response. Just like that, summer break is ending soon. What seems to be a long and fun summer break is about to end. Nothing much happened. Skye had been asking me to join their family trip for the past few days. They are going to their family’s farm a few miles away from our town. I refused because my mother insisted that she had her own plans for us. There is no better way to end the summer break than to go on a vacation. I am currently packing my clothes for our trip. It is not even a surprise where to go, for it 56

is obvious that we’ll visit the place where my parents always go on vacation. I have to admit that I do love the thought of the sea and sand. I love how calming the sea is and how refreshing it is to walk in the sand while the wind blows my hair. It’s a typical summer getaway, but I must say that I love the idea of this vacation. I was overjoyed when I found out that we were going to the island where my parents fell in love. This makes me look forward to it even more. I wasn’t disappointed at all because the scenery was breathtaking. No wonder my parents fell in love with this island. The island was crowded with tourists enjoying the warm air under the sun. It is peak season, after all. While my mother and father were busy booking the rooms where we would stay, I went out of the hotel to wander around the seaside. There were a lot of people in front of the hotel, and I wanted to avoid the crowd since I am more comfortable when I am alone. I lost track of my footprints as I wandered far from the heart of the island, which is the hotel. And every step I take, I feel deaf as it gets quieter around me or as if everything around me is muted. I halted when I noticed someone lying comfortably on the sand. He had his white long sleeves rolled up to his elbow and was wearing beach shorts. I couldn’t help but adore the man in front of me. It felt like I was hypnotized by the bulging veins on his hands, and I think I lost it when I saw how angelic his face was with his eyes closed. He was probably my age or a year older, I thought. I gasped when I started wondering about him, like, what could be his name and why was I even guessing his age while staring at him like a vulgar? I was too anxious about being discovered, so I turned my heel, but he suddenly opened his eyes wide, and I heard a little groan from him. I was stunned and frantically didn’t know what to do. I tried to look away and pretended I was initially 57

enjoying the view of the sea. “Enjoying the view?” When he started talking, my cheeks flushed, possibly from the realization that I had been preying on him for a split second earlier. Alright, I feel guilty about it. I couldn’t help though. I cursed under my breath. So, he did actually know I had been staring at him. I bit my lip, a habit whenever I am frustrated or embarrassed, and didn’t know how I should respond. “What’s your name?” The second time around, he spoke, but this time I looked at him. And I found him staring at me intensely. My mind was in total chaos. I wasn’t sure what to do next. “Isla.” I uttered. “Isla, as in, the island?” For the first time in my entire life, I didn’t mind how someone incorporated my name with an island. I also saw a little smile plastered on his face. He sounded so confused, yet I can say he was sincere. “Yeah, and you are?” I didn’t know why I suddenly asked for his name. I guess it just slipped out of my mouth. I hate to admit it, but he got me tangled up in his existence. More and more, I crave things about him. “My name is Kai, and it’s the Japanese word for ocean. It’s nice to meet you, Island. I’m Ocean.” He teased as he got up from the sand. I have to admit, he has a bubbly and dashing personality. His hazel brown eyes are dazzling with wonder and a flicker of curiosity. His genuine smile is very enchanting. I can almost believe in love at first sight just by looking at him. I shove the thought away. Love at first sight? “So, what brings you here?” He asked as if he was trying to create a conversation with me. 58

“Vacation. You know, summer break.” I muttered, and smiled. “I often come here.” He said it with a smile, but I noticed how quickly it faded. There was something peculiar about him. He looked away, and it was as if he remembered something painful from the past. I suddenly felt guilty, and the pain in his eyes was evident. “It was her favorite place. Our favorite place. She was my friend and first love.” He smiled bitterly while I froze in my position. There are so many questions running through my mind. I can’t believe he’s sharing all of these with me. His first love? It intrigued me. What could have happened? I couldn’t help but stare at him and feel bad about rubbing salt on his wound. He was looking at the sky with those loving eyes, and that’s the moment I realized I was right. I heaved a sigh as I couldn’t find the right words to tell him. I am not even sure if I am entitled to console him as we just met earlier, or just sit there and listen to his pain. But one thing I am sure of is that I was wrong about whether coming here would always bring joy to someone. Some meet their first love, or they could also lose it here. Just as I was about to speak, he turned to me once again and smiled. We were just looking at each other for a few minutes. I almost felt as if I was the one who had lost a friend and a lover. I’d never had a lover before, so I had no idea what love was like or how painful it could be. It must have been so hard for him. Maybe that’s just how life is. In reality, people come and go. People come into your life, but eventually, they can also be gone in different ways and instances. We should always be prepared when we love someone, for we can lose them anytime. 59

In summer, the trees are at the peak of their lives. They stretch their leafy branches towards the sun. The branches are full and heavy with leaves. Just like how people are into this peak season, so, we always need to prepare. When summer ends and autumn begins, the days of a tree become shorter, which is an exact representation of our lives. It is short, so we should make every moment worthwhile. It is beyond belief how we can communicate only with our eyes, but I’m glad to see how brave he is as he continues to live his life. I’m happy that I was able to meet him. It may not be the right time for us, but it’s definitely the right place for us to meet. I nodded at him. Without uttering a word, he turned his back and then walked away. For a moment, he made me feel how crazy love can be. And the next second, he made me feel how painful it could be. Love is a strange little thing. It’s vicious, but it’s beatific. But at least we met, right? 60

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 61

62 Artwork by France Lawrence R. Nostares

Swiftie by Kleirisha M. Flor At fifteen you taught me to look before I fall Nine years and I still remember it all Your lyrical magic got me enchanted Touched my soul caught me wanted; To listen more Twitched flames bruises and scars Made it your own unique art The very first night I heard your song on a long drive Made me wanna stare at your blue eyes Red lips and cute smile You taught me to be fearless For myself I should speak now That love isn’t all red, it’s also golden Like this swiftie heart of mine solidly frozen 63

Saving Life by Kclaire Pinch me, slap me, and wake me up. I am having a nightmare, I’m dying. I can no longer fight this feeling and thoughts I am drowning, please don’t save me. Saving me, don’t benefit me at all. Did you want to help? Allow me to be drowned. I don’t want to die, don’t get me wrong. I just want to save myself alone. Saving myself doesn’t mean I don’t need you. I just need me, because you’ll eventually leave. I am hard to deal with, I understand and that’s okay. It will hurt me, but I will learn not to care. I am drowning but I am free. My heart was full of worry but now it’s carefree. I smiled as I also learned how to swim. I guess it’s you who forbid me because you always save me. 64

Artwork by France Lawrence R. Nostares 65

Artwork by Zenith Kin P. Agcaoili 66

Love by Pasta People…have different perceptions when it comes to love. They say, love comes with an unexpected person at an unexpected time and even situation or moment. Some say they woke up thinking ‘this must be love.’ Love, as some believe, is mysterious. Painful. Exciting. Agitating. Disappointing. A cup of coffee. A piece of cake. For hopeless romantics, it’s everywhere. Love is an opportunity, love can be an obsession. But do you actually believe that love lasts…to lifetime? Love at first sight, it can happen. Love is sweeter the second time around, it must be true. But love…that lasts ‘til the next lifetime, will it really happen? 67

Cadaver by Mensaherang Asul I felt wasted In his eyes I am worthless I am like a cadaver Physically existing but mentally ignored I’ve been asking myself Am I not worth it? Am I not enough to make you stay? Am I not enough to make you happy? Those questions are stabbing me This pain is dancing with me Sadness is waving Loneliness is arriving 68

Artwork by Jhian Denver G. Aspili 69

70 Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome

ARAPAAP by Anthony Cumlat Bayat panagubing ko, adu a rigat ti simmangbay iti biagko Adu man nga uyaw a ti naallingagko, diak pulos simmuko. Arapaap nga innak iyebkas, Pulis, Maestro, Piloto, ken Marino. Adu man a pagpilian. Maymaysa laeng ti innak pagbalinan. Tatang ken Nanang agyamanak launay, uray biyagtayo ket nakurapay. Addanto latta aldawna nga intay rumang-ay. Nomanpay saanko ammo pagturungak Addakayo a mamagbaga a mangpalpalgip keniak Bilinyo keniak sipud ubing agingga panagbaro, kargakargak Ti adal nga inkay nakuna Dayta ti banag a saanda a maala. Dakkel a yamanko Pinagbasadak kolehiyo. Dagiti dinguen nga inkay inlako Ayatyo laeng toy anakyo ket makaadayo. Agyamanak ti Apo a namarsua Ta kararagko kadakayo inikkan nakayo pay pigsa. Sapatak kanyayo nga innak gun-uden. Tapno kanyayo ket makasubaden. 71

Life’s not a race by Ecstatic in Chaos Life’s not a race You doubted my capabilities And it’s okay I doubted mine too Because I think I’m not good enough It’s fine, yeah, it’s fine Just let me be myself Just let me love myself And stop comparing me I am not them, so stop that nonsense I am who I am, and I am proud of it I may have a low self-esteem but I’m rocking it Because I know I’m not alone, yeah, at least. We are all learning life in a different way We have different races in life and that’s great. You might be fast, and I am slow but it’s fine. Because life will still be there whenever I’m done. 72

Artwork by Louise Julius Vince Solsoloy 73

Artwork by Alvin R. Bartolome 74

Always You by Siamese Every time I close my eyes, I’ve always felt betrayed, as my mind always draw— the smile of yours that I have already forgotten; show me— the pair of eyes that brought me pain, the lips that I used to have pressed against my forehead; reminds me— the warmth that your fingertips pass whenever we hold hands. Each time I have forgotten you, I’ve always kept reminded me of you, as if it was a curse, that whenever I try to walk away, I keep coming back to you, Even if I keep taking different way, but it will be always a detour— leading my way to you. Was it because I have just chosen to 75 erase you on my mind, hence kept you permanently in my heart? Was it because I disguised moving on as forgetting you, but the truth is, my heart was still longing for you, and every time I drift to sleep, I always find myself uttering your name.

Ghoster not Ghosted by Kleirisha M. Flor Can’t believe it with my own eyes Shaking heads oh, this little lies! I just got ghosted and I don’t know why. Was it because I’m a ghoster And he wanted to end it faster? This heck of a roller coaster Hush, no worries there are other ones who are better. Haven’t I been here before? Then gully I should get over it! But he was so charming, Oh enough silly me! Times like this, it’s rough. You’re a ghoster who just got ghosted Surely it’s fine Just drink up some wine Oh you’ll be fine! 76

Artwork by Denielle Ellixe C. Salasac 77

Artwork by Zenith Kin P. Agcaoili 78

Twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder if you miss me too. Up above, I look at the sky, I see those brights stars, they remind me how much I have loved you. Twinkle twinkle little star how I wish he still feel the same too. — NaCl 79

Loving You by Russel Joy L. Pascua Loving you is like the feathers of an angel, It was peaceful, pure and calm. Loving you is a chaos in silence, It was not tragic but a magic. Loving you is a gravity that falls beyond my imagination. Loving you is unexpected, but it was built with addiction. It’s like an obsession of passion, The adrenaline rush of excitement and joy. You’re the metaphor of a drug that I can’t control. You restore my faith in man, Like how you banished the bruises I have in the past. Loving you is a risk, Because you are worth every bit. 80 Artwork by Clark Justine Galiza

Artwork by Russel Joy L. Pascua 81

Artwork by Mark Bryan D. Damo 82

This Life of Mine by Gay Antonnette B. Tabones One day in the month of September A wailing baby is heard Drenched by blood Looking so fragile and tender Growing up day by day Where innocence is at its peak Laughing and playing is all okay Crying and whining can be easily seek However, all of this comes to an end The innocent child has been tainted The eyes that were once blind Ended up witnessing all the cruelties unpainted In this life of mine All beautiful things were replaced Experiences that were once feels like a cloud nine Ended and halted without a traced Days, weeks, months and years passed by Little by little the sparkling eyes dulled Feelings flow and emotions surged Little by little the sentiments and passions die 83

Perspective of a Philippine Dog by Zen I may not be an international dog, But I can be someone you can lean on. You may find me cheap, But I can be your friend that you ever dreamed of. I may not be as special as the other breed, But I promised that I can give you the comfort that others can’t give. Maybe you’re too shy for having me, But I’ll never regret that you’re my family. You may take me for granted, But I will never leave. You can love me the least, But I can love you the greatest, till I can’t breathe. Lastly, I may not be beautiful like the other breeds, But I am willing to protect you until I rest knowing that my mission is complete. Remember that I may be an Azkal dog But I can be the one you’ll wish to have and feel the warmth that I can give. Remember, caring for a dog is not by breed. It’s by heart. 84

Photo by Zen 85

Artwork by Denielle Ellixe C. Salasac 86

Hang in there by Kerizle Monique C. Bartolome Anyone who is trying to get through this season should realize that they are stronger than this. Even if you can’t figure out what these weird days are all about, you’re still doing enough by doing your hardest to keep going. This is the essence of faith. It does not imply that you will always do things correctly. No matter how many times you fall in life, you will keep going and not give up on life’s opportunities. 87

Fairytale by Mensaherang Asul What if one day I’ll wake up Realizing that the love we created under the moon Was it just a dream or Illusion? Will I regret or forget? If this is a dream Please don’t wake me up Cause I don’t want to be duped By the happiness you marked If this is just an illusion Please don’t disturb me Because I don’t want to be conscious of my surroundings I don’t want to feel what the reality may bring Yes I will regret Cause you take away my felicity No I will not forget Because I’ve experienced the love that made me a woman We tied a bond of promises That will never be frail And no one can untie It is tied forever even time will pass by Please don’t wake me up Convince me this is not a dream nor illusion Afraid of the reality that If I open my eyes 88 This fairy tale we had will end in just a blink

Artwork by Denielle Ellixe C. Salasac 89

Photo by Daniel Sina 90

Gone by Breakup Playlist I was busy And then you finally staring at your eyes, wanted me to be didn’t see the headlights yours — flashing warnings — I just turned my back, didn’t know you’d hit walked away, me and run — never lookin’ back — and I was left alone, for me, you’re dead in love and then broken. and gone, What if I refuse cause all the flutter living without you? & feelings you’ve made me You’ve taken my love, feel are all gone too. you’ve taken all of me — you left me alone in bed 91 six in the morning, realizing you used me, played with my feelings, broke my heart — just for fun. I’ve always tried to wait, thinking you just wanted to play hard to get.

Photo by Jericha Faye U. Tingson 92

Through your eyes by Yannieyam I was moved by your testimony. Your gentle voice seems to have its broken notes with the tone of your broken soul. Yet, you manage to speak up to inspire people. There is something with your silence, your smile somehow reflects how you’re feeling inside. Not fake, yet not pure. There’s pain, there’s grief, there are unanswered questions that you can’t bear and leave them hanging in your head. How you control your emotions by not letting it to explode. ‘Cause when that happens you know it’s hard for you to stop cryin’. I don’t know you but this is what I see through your eyes. For now, you can’t recognize me. But I know there’s something magical that will happen between us. And this, this is the first time we’ve met. You’re broken and I’m broken. 93

Four Years Ago by Aquiqoutes 94 He was my first. He treated me the way I didn’t imagine. I couldn’t put into words how I felt. But I know it was love, real love. We’ve been together for a long time. ‘Til things force us into deep fights. We keep going, on and on. In certain ways, these things will make us stronger. Being with that person really feels like walking on the air. He feels the same too, I can tell through his efforts. But as days went by, I noticed some things. There were times I could feel he was no longer happy. I knew he only stayed because he was afraid to tell me. I know in my heart back then that we were near to the end. I knew that those chapters of my life were about to close. And it happened, but to accept is the only option I have. My whole world changes 360 degrees. I wanted to forget and everyday I wish I could. Truly, love can be the map of our dreams, but it can also make us lost in between. Days, months, and years went by, I tried my best to rebuild myself again. It took time to pick up all the pieces, but my life was never the same as before. Continuing my life now alone. With all the memories I gained. They all have a special spot in my heart and I would cherish them for a lifetime. Sometimes, people tend to come into our life for some sort of reason. Or just to be a life-lesson. Nevertheless, everything is temporary.

Photo by Maria Irish C. Lucas 95

96 Photo by Lucky Jastine D. Foronda

Waves by Vitamin Sea Sometimes, I don’t know if it was just me or just the waves are tough to surf with. No matter how prepped I am, I still couldn’t withstand the surge of the waves. At a certain point, I found myself drowning in the sea and no one has ever tried to save me. Or I’d say, I did not bother saving myself. I knew I could fight the crest, hence, I chose not to — since, this is what I wanted after all. To cease to exist. 97

Photo by Aaron Paul C. Urmeneta 98

Autumn 99

The time when leaves fall… In life, we do not always taste the sweetness of success. Sometimes, we tend to taste the bitter side of life. It’s not all about winning. When life turns around, we also lose and fall to the ground. Just like the leaves when they start withering in autumn. It is inevitable, and we should get used to it. I let out a bittersweet smile as I looked at the leaves falling from the branches of the tree. I guess it’s that time of the year again. “Sienna, would you like to come out with me for a walk?” I looked at Amber, who I didn’t even notice coming into my room. Amber is my older sister, but she acts more like a child than me. I sighed. She loves to go out for a walk, especially when it’s fall. “I’ll just change my clothes. You can wait for me downstairs.” I said, and she excitedly ran away. I opened my closet and chose to wear a plain white shirt, a floral embroidered cardigan, black jeans, and a sneaker. I brushed my hair before finally heading downstairs. My sister is wearing a tank top, high-waisted trousers, a black blazer, and brown boots. We almost have the same features. We both have the same hair and eye color, but we differ in skin tone; mine is fair while hers is tan. Well, maybe it’s because she spends most of her time at the beach. We walked outside of our house, and a lot of people were also taking walks around the neighborhood. Children rode their bicycles, some teenagers skated around, and 100