#21

I’ve been—
actually,
not feeling like myself
lately.

Resentment, rage,
a force of hate
that rises too fast—
it swallows me whole
before I even notice.

I…
just yesterday,
I lashed out at my father.

The man with the most patience,
the one closest to me,
the only one who understands me
without judgment.
And I—
the ever ungrateful son—
I broke something gentle in him.

I hate myself for it.

And even though I apologized,
and he accepted it
with more grace
than I deserved,
I know I hurt the one soul
I should never wound.

Sometimes, I feel like
I am the weight
he never asked to carry—

Oh, how I wish
I were a better son.

Popular posts from this blog

The General Who Almost Became Filipino: Rethinking Douglas MacArthur’s Legacy

More Than Just "I Have Returned" We all know the image — a tall figure stepping ashore in Leyte, eyes forward, pipe clenched, and the words: > "I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil — soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples." These words by General Douglas MacArthur have been immortalized in textbooks, war memorials, and patriotic murals across the Philippines. To many, he is the liberator — the American hero who fulfilled his promise. But behind this grand declaration, what truths lie beneath the surface? Was it all honor, or was there hidden agenda? Was MacArthur truly for the Filipino — or only the idea of us? 🎭 Was "I Have Returned" a Hero's Oath — or a King’s Decree? At first glance, MacArthur’s words seem noble. But they also carry the echo of a royal pronouncement, as if he were not just returning, but reclaiming a people. He didn’t say “We have returned” — he said “I.” He styled hi...
Read more

#4 precisely cut

You said to go with the flow— let the flow be the guide. We’re drowning over here! And don’t go telling me we must adapt in order to survive— grow fins and gills if we have to— We’re human beings! We’re no fish! We’re not some kind of supernatural beings that can just become  on a whim! Things take time. Period! Things take time— I repeat! And don’t go saying whatever you’re saying as if— Oh! Your sharp voice and fiery glares carry chains and whips like a tyrant wanting to build Rome in a day! Don’t! The mask won’t fit— so don’t. If you care— and I mean if you really do care — lead! Be an example! Understand. Be patient. We are not you— and no, we are never the team you actually wanted. But we can be— just— take care of us. That’s all.
Read more

#8 precisely cut

One day, I’ll stand on that pedestal, bleeding my heart out, gouging the eyes of each audience as they watch me color the silence with beautiful, ever-changing notes. I will have their heartbeat and breathing sync in to my beat and rhythm. I will make them recall memories— so vivid, so frighteningly real— their overflowing tears will spill over into the sea. What do you say—maybe we can make a new ocean here, after the performance. Only the hums of a thousand birds will cheer, as their own hands make it so. Oh! I won’t hear only one soul or two calling for an encore— there will be many. And the conductor will have his hand raised already to follow the wish of the crowd. Then I can say: I am ready to die. This— is why.
Read more