#83

And all I could do was watch,
in silence,
as I begged for all of heaven
not to lead them astray—
as once I was.

I never liked seeing the blood of children—
my children.
And worst of all, they shout
it was all in my name.

If only I could shed tears
they could understand,
if only they could hear my whisper
when they cry in prayer.

Oh—how I wish I could do more
for them.

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

#15

I broke my sister’s toy      I was already mad,   and when it suddenly dropped near me,   something in me snapped.   I raged,   picked it up,   and wrecked it.      It sounds silly, maybe trivial,   but now that my anger’s gone,   all I can remember   is how she proudly showed it to me.      One evening, she called out:      “Hey bro, look at this!   Ain’t it cool?”      It wasn’t that special.   I’d seen many like it before.   “Okay, cool,” I shrugged,   telling myself she was being silly.      I didn’t know then   that it was one of the first things she bought   with her own hard-earned money.   And with all that childish innocence—   that magical spark in her eyes—   that I failed to see. ...
Read more