“To keep moving, we necessarily have to stop.”
We we’re asked to reflect on this quote as part of our first homework in the subject “The Teaching and Testing of Literature”. From the moment the activity was announced, I could not stop thinking what each and every word in this very short quote could mean. It’s been days and I wasn’t able to write anything. And now, it is only hours before the submission. As human beings, if our emotion and our minds are not in control, we start to worry. And worried I become. Then I got sick. And worried I become again. I tried to busy myself with other things. I thought worried is all I’ll ever be. Until I stopped. I stopped worrying and started analyzing it, minus the “what if’s”- “What if I won’t be able to make anything?” “What if my understanding of the quote is wrong, or shallow, at least?”. And after stopping being pessimistic, voila! This paper came to be. But that is just “stop” in relation to what I am experiencing these past few days. How about “stop” in relation to “keep moving”? And when do we “necessarily” have to stop?
Stop. Be Positive. Keep Moving.
Inevitably, we opt to cling on things that at some point in our lives have hurt us, made us feel sad or mad, or depressed us. And by clinging to these unpleasant experiences we could create physical, psychological, and other kinds of damages unto ourselves. Thus, we are prevented from moving forward. And this is where stopping comes into picture. We have to stop thinking about negative things and focus on better ones. Instead of relishing the pain, the sadness, the anger, why not just value the good experiences and the people you share them with? Negativity only takes away our ability to have faith, to be patient, to believe in achieving what seems difficult at first, to see the beauty of life, to see how mysteriously amazing life is. Be positive and be on the move.
Stop. Don’t Be Unhappy. Keep Moving.
We all experience moments of happiness and unhappiness, each varying in intensity. And I think it is not enough to say that we should be happy. Instead, let us not be unhappy as well. Unfortunately for most people, unhappiness usually over weighs happiness. In this world we’re living in, it’s always “x begets x”. Unhappiness begets unhappiness. And this is when stopping becomes necessary. For me, even stronger than being happy is the ability to be not unhappy. Yes, there is no happiness that will multiply by itself (following the “x begets x” principle), but at least there is no unhappiness that will surely result into more unhappiness. If there‘s little unhappiness, then there is a greater chance that happiness will win over it. Thus, we can continue moving.
Stop. Have Faith. Keep Moving.
A demotion. A worn pair of snickers. A loved one lost. Failure, like happiness, varies in intensity. A student who received failing grades could end up as miserable as a father who lost a son. Sometimes, things that happen to us seem unfair, painful, or even horrible. When things go wrong (as they sometimes will), that is a call for us to stop. Stop asking why miseries happen, and why it seems you are a favorite. Stop. For it is only by stopping you’ll see why such things happen. Demoted? Stop. Have faith in yourself, do better. You’ll get your position back and might even get promoted. Your snickers are worn? Stop. Have faith in yourself that you can save enough money to buy a new pair. Lost a loved one? Stop. Have faith in Him. You may be experiencing a “gray emptiness” now. But that could be His way of making you appreciate the colorful shades of life. And He will continue providing colorful, cumulative specks that could fill in the “emptiness” and at least brighten the “gray”. Have faith and you’ll keep moving.
To stop worrying about my future grade in the aforementioned subject that required this piece, I started typing and kept moving until now. As paradoxical as it may sound, a stop is really necessary for us to keep moving. And longing to keep moving, I will stop now.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
L. O. L.
Characters
ROMEO, a young boy
JULIET, a young girl
NARRATOR, the narrator
FULGENCIO CAPULET, an old man; Juliet’s father
NARRATOR: Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge, break to new mutiny
(Romeo and Juliet enters, kissing each other)
Where civil blood makes civil hands-
(Narrator sees the lovers)
UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN!
ROMEO: What are you shouting for?
NARATOR: Didn’t you here the narration? You are from dignified families! And how about the ancient grudge? Ancient grudge, for heavens’ sake!
ROMEO: What are you talking about?
NARRATOR: You are Romeo right? And you young lady is Juliet Capulet I believe?
ROMEO & JULIET: Yes!
NARRATOR: Then why are the two of you together? I mean, eventually you’ll be together, but not as early as now.
ROMEO: Not as early as now? It’s already 11 o’clock in the evening!
NARRATOR: Idiot! I’m not talking about any part of the day. You are from two families torn by the biggest, most unreasonable, petty feud in the history!
JULIET: He’s right Romeo…
ROMEO: What? So we’ll now bid adieus and pretend we never felt this thing called love?
JULIET: Of course not! He’s right that our families had been enemies since ancient time. I’ve read it twice, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, 1623 Folio edition.
NARRATOR: Good thing you took Shakespearean Literature seriously. With Ma’am Menchie I suppose?
JULIET: Nah! We had it with Ma’am Gay last semester.
NARRATOR: Okay. So you probably know what comes before this fateful meet and greet part of the story?
JULIET: Of course. There should be a masquerade at our mansion, and sweet Romeo will gate crash. OMG! Romeo, I have to go and pick a nice gown for the celebration. Bye!
ROMEO: Wait! Wait!
NARRATOR: Lover boy, you have to prepare for the great celebration.
ROMEO: Oh, I’ve got plenty of formal clothes. I’ll pick Armani for the masquerade.
NARRATOR: Be you in Armani or Hermes, still you won’t make it to the party. They have bouncers trained to spot Montagues and give them a good beating.
ROMEO: Really? Well, I do have a disguise. (Romeo puts a mask on) How do I look?
NARRATOR: You look like Zorro. Or perhaps, just Romeo with a mask on.
ROMEO: It’s because you know it’s me!
NARRATOR: Ok. But before I lose my patience, go and hide first. I think someone’s coming.
(Romeo hides behind the bushes. The Narrator stayed on the side of the stage. Enters Fulgencio Capulet, Juliet’s father.)
FULGENCIO: Everything seems to be going smoothly. Plenty of food, nice music, lots of celebrities. Not to mention Pacquiao dropping by! And most importantly, no Montagues! (Romeo makes some noise. Fulgencio spots him) You! You boy lurking in the shadows!
ROMEO: I’m not lurking… I’m just… hiding.
FULGENCIO: Don’t I recognize you?
ROMEO: Oh… I doubt it for I’m just a humble traveler by the name of Zorro.
FULGENCIO: Ah yes, I’ve seen the movie. But no hat, no cape, no sword and no Catherine Zeta-Jones.
ROMEO: Yes it’s true I don’t have any of those you mentioned, especially Catherine. But I do have Juliet Capulet… who ended my lonely nights…
FULGENCIO: I knew it! A Montague! Ronald Montague!
ROMEO: Sir, it is Romeo. Romeo Montague.
FULGENCIO: Whatever! Be it Ronnie, Ramon or Rupert, still you are a Montague.
ROMEO: But sir, I come in peace…
FULGENCIO: Then you shall go into pieces! (Romeo did not react.) My little joke. It seems so cruel to kill you for you are weak and helpless. But being cruel is so good, and I do have a sword!
(Fulgencio chases Romeo who runs to the forest. Juliet returns wearing a gown.)
JULIET: Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
NARRATOR: Wherefore? What kind of word is wherefore? Anyway my lady, your lover was chased by your father, who appeared out of nowhere.
JULIET: It can’t be! Knowing father, he might have killed my Romeo by now! Oh, how cruel life can be! Why do we have to suffer all of these just because of a family feud!
NARRATOR: Here young lady, take some of these –
JULIET: Poison tablets? Oh, just exactly what I need.
NARRATOR: Wait!
(Juliet consumes half of the contents of the bottle and dramatically faints on a bench.)
NARRATOR: (Takes the bottle from Juliet’s hand) See what happens to those who don’t care to listen?
(Romeo returns, breathless.)
ROMEO: Narrator, where is my Juliet?
NARRATOR: There she is, lying beautifully on the bench.
(Romeo bursts into tears.
ROMEO: Juliet, my fair Juliet!
NARRATOR: (Consults his script and addresses it to the audience.) And so Romeo, consumed by despair, gazed down lovingly at Juliet. What else does he have to live for?
ROMEO: Nothing! My life is at an end!
NARRATOR: Calm down lover boy. Here, take some of these –
ROMEO: Do you often carry poison?
NARATOR: Well it’s not –
ROMEO: Very well… (Takes in the rest of the tablets.) Farewell cruel world… See you soon my Juliet…
(Romeo staggers for sometime before collapsing beside Juliet.)
NARRATOR: (Consults his script.) Then fair Juliet awakes.
JULIET: What was that noise? Oh it’s my darling Romeo. Romeo, wake up! What happened to him Narrator?
NARRATOR: Just like you he took some of those tablets I offered you a while ago.
JULIET: (Bursts into tears.) Oh my poor Romeo, why leave me so soon? (Suddenly stops) Wait. Wait a minute. Why is he here? I thought my father chased him?
NARRATOR: Well, after you fainted, he showed up, breathless. And seeing you seemingly lifeless, he swallowed what was left of the tablets you greedily consumed earlier.
JULIET: Ah… Okay. (Suddenly gasps exaggeratedly.) So he’s alive too? He’s not yet dead?
NARRATOR: Who says he’s dead?
JULIET: Then what are those tablets you gave us? Aren’t those poisons?
NARRATOR: Of course not! Those are relaxants. I thought it would help the two of you calm down. But being perfect epitomes of exaggeration, you overdosed yourselves and voila, you fainted.
JULIET: Why didn’t you bother tell us?
NARRATOR: I tried to, but both of you are fond of interrupting me. (Juliet turns to Romeo who finally wakes up.)
JULIET: Romeo…
ROMEO: Oh just as I thought. You’re still beautiful, even up here in heaven. (Romeo sees the Narrator.) Is that you Narrator? You committed suicide too?
NARRATOR: No, you idiot! I’m alive, and so the two of you.
ROMEO: But… what happened?
JULIET: I’ll tell you later my love. I am happy to see you perfectly okay after being chased by my father. Romeo, please take me with you. I’ll go anywhere with you, just take me away from our parents, away from this curse of being Capulets and Montagues!
(Fulgencio enters with a bulky flat box)
FULGENCIO: Why leave without us knowing my dear?
JULIET: Father! Please let us go! I love Romeo so much that taking him from me is as good as taking my life!
FULGENCIO: I know. I know you love him so much. And I know too that he loves you.
JULIET: What are you talking about father?
FULGENCIO: When I chased Ronald –
ROMEO: Sir, it is Romeo.
FULGENCIO: Do you want me to chase you again?
ROMEO: Please proceed with the story Dad.
FULGENCIO: When I chased Rodrigo to the forest, I accidentally fell on a hunter’s trap. He could just leave me there, after what I did. But he did not. He helped me get out of the trap and with that, he just proved to me how much he loves you.
JULIET: Oh Romeo, you really did that?
NARRATOR: Uhmm, excuse me. What is that box for sir?
FULGENCIO: Oh this? Romeo asked me to pick out this white dress.
ROMEO: Finally sir, you got my name right!
NARRATOR: How sweet of you guys. But according to what I’ve read, William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” IS a tragedy. If the two of you will end up living happily ever after, where is the tragic part there?
ROMEO: Well…. let your death be the tragic part. (Romeo thrusts a sword on Narrator.)
JULIET: You deserve it, after all the mess you made.
(Romeo, Juliet and Fulgencio exits happily, to the tune of Taylor Swift’s Love Story)
NARRATOR: And as they say, for never was a story full of riot, than that of Pretty Juliet and Romeo the Idiot.
------------------------------------THE END-----------------------------------
November 2009
ROMEO, a young boy
JULIET, a young girl
NARRATOR, the narrator
FULGENCIO CAPULET, an old man; Juliet’s father
NARRATOR: Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge, break to new mutiny
(Romeo and Juliet enters, kissing each other)
Where civil blood makes civil hands-
(Narrator sees the lovers)
UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN!
ROMEO: What are you shouting for?
NARATOR: Didn’t you here the narration? You are from dignified families! And how about the ancient grudge? Ancient grudge, for heavens’ sake!
ROMEO: What are you talking about?
NARRATOR: You are Romeo right? And you young lady is Juliet Capulet I believe?
ROMEO & JULIET: Yes!
NARRATOR: Then why are the two of you together? I mean, eventually you’ll be together, but not as early as now.
ROMEO: Not as early as now? It’s already 11 o’clock in the evening!
NARRATOR: Idiot! I’m not talking about any part of the day. You are from two families torn by the biggest, most unreasonable, petty feud in the history!
JULIET: He’s right Romeo…
ROMEO: What? So we’ll now bid adieus and pretend we never felt this thing called love?
JULIET: Of course not! He’s right that our families had been enemies since ancient time. I’ve read it twice, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, 1623 Folio edition.
NARRATOR: Good thing you took Shakespearean Literature seriously. With Ma’am Menchie I suppose?
JULIET: Nah! We had it with Ma’am Gay last semester.
NARRATOR: Okay. So you probably know what comes before this fateful meet and greet part of the story?
JULIET: Of course. There should be a masquerade at our mansion, and sweet Romeo will gate crash. OMG! Romeo, I have to go and pick a nice gown for the celebration. Bye!
ROMEO: Wait! Wait!
NARRATOR: Lover boy, you have to prepare for the great celebration.
ROMEO: Oh, I’ve got plenty of formal clothes. I’ll pick Armani for the masquerade.
NARRATOR: Be you in Armani or Hermes, still you won’t make it to the party. They have bouncers trained to spot Montagues and give them a good beating.
ROMEO: Really? Well, I do have a disguise. (Romeo puts a mask on) How do I look?
NARRATOR: You look like Zorro. Or perhaps, just Romeo with a mask on.
ROMEO: It’s because you know it’s me!
NARRATOR: Ok. But before I lose my patience, go and hide first. I think someone’s coming.
(Romeo hides behind the bushes. The Narrator stayed on the side of the stage. Enters Fulgencio Capulet, Juliet’s father.)
FULGENCIO: Everything seems to be going smoothly. Plenty of food, nice music, lots of celebrities. Not to mention Pacquiao dropping by! And most importantly, no Montagues! (Romeo makes some noise. Fulgencio spots him) You! You boy lurking in the shadows!
ROMEO: I’m not lurking… I’m just… hiding.
FULGENCIO: Don’t I recognize you?
ROMEO: Oh… I doubt it for I’m just a humble traveler by the name of Zorro.
FULGENCIO: Ah yes, I’ve seen the movie. But no hat, no cape, no sword and no Catherine Zeta-Jones.
ROMEO: Yes it’s true I don’t have any of those you mentioned, especially Catherine. But I do have Juliet Capulet… who ended my lonely nights…
FULGENCIO: I knew it! A Montague! Ronald Montague!
ROMEO: Sir, it is Romeo. Romeo Montague.
FULGENCIO: Whatever! Be it Ronnie, Ramon or Rupert, still you are a Montague.
ROMEO: But sir, I come in peace…
FULGENCIO: Then you shall go into pieces! (Romeo did not react.) My little joke. It seems so cruel to kill you for you are weak and helpless. But being cruel is so good, and I do have a sword!
(Fulgencio chases Romeo who runs to the forest. Juliet returns wearing a gown.)
JULIET: Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
NARRATOR: Wherefore? What kind of word is wherefore? Anyway my lady, your lover was chased by your father, who appeared out of nowhere.
JULIET: It can’t be! Knowing father, he might have killed my Romeo by now! Oh, how cruel life can be! Why do we have to suffer all of these just because of a family feud!
NARRATOR: Here young lady, take some of these –
JULIET: Poison tablets? Oh, just exactly what I need.
NARRATOR: Wait!
(Juliet consumes half of the contents of the bottle and dramatically faints on a bench.)
NARRATOR: (Takes the bottle from Juliet’s hand) See what happens to those who don’t care to listen?
(Romeo returns, breathless.)
ROMEO: Narrator, where is my Juliet?
NARRATOR: There she is, lying beautifully on the bench.
(Romeo bursts into tears.
ROMEO: Juliet, my fair Juliet!
NARRATOR: (Consults his script and addresses it to the audience.) And so Romeo, consumed by despair, gazed down lovingly at Juliet. What else does he have to live for?
ROMEO: Nothing! My life is at an end!
NARRATOR: Calm down lover boy. Here, take some of these –
ROMEO: Do you often carry poison?
NARATOR: Well it’s not –
ROMEO: Very well… (Takes in the rest of the tablets.) Farewell cruel world… See you soon my Juliet…
(Romeo staggers for sometime before collapsing beside Juliet.)
NARRATOR: (Consults his script.) Then fair Juliet awakes.
JULIET: What was that noise? Oh it’s my darling Romeo. Romeo, wake up! What happened to him Narrator?
NARRATOR: Just like you he took some of those tablets I offered you a while ago.
JULIET: (Bursts into tears.) Oh my poor Romeo, why leave me so soon? (Suddenly stops) Wait. Wait a minute. Why is he here? I thought my father chased him?
NARRATOR: Well, after you fainted, he showed up, breathless. And seeing you seemingly lifeless, he swallowed what was left of the tablets you greedily consumed earlier.
JULIET: Ah… Okay. (Suddenly gasps exaggeratedly.) So he’s alive too? He’s not yet dead?
NARRATOR: Who says he’s dead?
JULIET: Then what are those tablets you gave us? Aren’t those poisons?
NARRATOR: Of course not! Those are relaxants. I thought it would help the two of you calm down. But being perfect epitomes of exaggeration, you overdosed yourselves and voila, you fainted.
JULIET: Why didn’t you bother tell us?
NARRATOR: I tried to, but both of you are fond of interrupting me. (Juliet turns to Romeo who finally wakes up.)
JULIET: Romeo…
ROMEO: Oh just as I thought. You’re still beautiful, even up here in heaven. (Romeo sees the Narrator.) Is that you Narrator? You committed suicide too?
NARRATOR: No, you idiot! I’m alive, and so the two of you.
ROMEO: But… what happened?
JULIET: I’ll tell you later my love. I am happy to see you perfectly okay after being chased by my father. Romeo, please take me with you. I’ll go anywhere with you, just take me away from our parents, away from this curse of being Capulets and Montagues!
(Fulgencio enters with a bulky flat box)
FULGENCIO: Why leave without us knowing my dear?
JULIET: Father! Please let us go! I love Romeo so much that taking him from me is as good as taking my life!
FULGENCIO: I know. I know you love him so much. And I know too that he loves you.
JULIET: What are you talking about father?
FULGENCIO: When I chased Ronald –
ROMEO: Sir, it is Romeo.
FULGENCIO: Do you want me to chase you again?
ROMEO: Please proceed with the story Dad.
FULGENCIO: When I chased Rodrigo to the forest, I accidentally fell on a hunter’s trap. He could just leave me there, after what I did. But he did not. He helped me get out of the trap and with that, he just proved to me how much he loves you.
JULIET: Oh Romeo, you really did that?
NARRATOR: Uhmm, excuse me. What is that box for sir?
FULGENCIO: Oh this? Romeo asked me to pick out this white dress.
ROMEO: Finally sir, you got my name right!
NARRATOR: How sweet of you guys. But according to what I’ve read, William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” IS a tragedy. If the two of you will end up living happily ever after, where is the tragic part there?
ROMEO: Well…. let your death be the tragic part. (Romeo thrusts a sword on Narrator.)
JULIET: You deserve it, after all the mess you made.
(Romeo, Juliet and Fulgencio exits happily, to the tune of Taylor Swift’s Love Story)
NARRATOR: And as they say, for never was a story full of riot, than that of Pretty Juliet and Romeo the Idiot.
------------------------------------THE END-----------------------------------
November 2009
no wAYE
The small cactus sat comfortably, surrounded by moist soil in a ceramic pot. A desk in a typical office in a two storey house served as its home for quite sometime now. The family it lived with consists of parents both in their late thirties, and their two children. The father works in an office as a Human Resource Generalist. The mother stays at home and does everything a typical housewife does. Their two children get along very well, although there were the occasional petty quarrels. The cactus’ life was simple and peaceful. It had grown used to this family, and even enjoyed their presence.
One day, the mother brought her little daughter back from a birthday party. The little girl stepped out of the car with her small hand clutching the string of a violet balloon. The cactus gazed out of the window and was immediately drawn to this balloon. It danced with the wind, bobbing softly and shimmering in the light. The cactus, leading its plain, uneventful life, had never seen anything so beautiful or bright, and it was determined to meet this beautiful balloon. After two days, his wish came true.
The balloon freed itself from the study table that the girl had attached it to and floated down the house, peeking into the various rooms before sliding into the office. It peeked through the door and immediately focused on the cactus, taking notice of its spikes glittering in the moonlight, and its coarse, rough skin. Carefully, the balloon floated through the doorway and approached the object which it was fascinated by.
The two looked on each other for a long while, examining every detail. Silence had never been so loud, and to the cactus, it was deafening. Eventually, after memorizing everything about the cactus, the handsome cactus, the balloon murmured, “Hi”.
Silence roared on, and the balloon hovered, waiting. Eventually, the cactus squeaked, “Hi.”
There was another pause, but it was a comfortable one. The cactus broke it with a simple, “How are you?” and the conversation escalated just from that.
Morning came too early for their liking – the father walked into his office, noticed the balloon and returned it to his daughter’s room while she was still asleep. The cactus watched his new friend float away, string tight in the father’s hand, and called, “I’ll miss you.”
The next night, the balloon untangled itself again and drifted over to the office, eager to see the cactus. They stayed still for a few moments, just content with each others’ presence, and they continued their conversation from the night before.
And so for the next few weeks, the three of them got used to the routine. The cactus would wait, the balloon would appear, and the father would take the balloon away in the morning. Although the two missed each other immensely during the hours of the day, they looked forward to nightfall, when they would see each other again.
One night, the balloon floated in to the office and said, “Cactus, I am growing weak. I fear that I will begin to deflate very soon.”
The cactus was silent, slowly crumbling inside. Then it spoke: “Balloon, even when you are completely empty of air and you move no more, I will still love you.”
The balloon felt a rush of happiness and gratitude towards the cactus. It floated closer than it ever had, centimeters away. It said, “I want to stay with you forever. I don’t want him to take me away in the morning.”
“Then stay.” whispered the cactus.
It inched forward, and with a squeak so terrible it ached, one of the cactus’ spikes prodded the balloon and it watched its love sink onto its arm, lifeless.The cactus wailed with pain, clutching onto the balloon.
Morning came, the sun shone through the window and rays of light danced on the matte surface of the balloon. The father came into the room, as always, and tried to pull the balloon off the cactus.
“No”, thought the cactus. “I’m not letting go.”
And no matter how hard the father tugged and heaved, the cactus and the balloon were still attached. Sighing, he went to inform his daughter of her loss, and tossed the cactus and the balloon into the trash bin outside on his way to work.
As the cactus listened to the rumble of the car’s engine and the sound of it speeding down the street through the metal walls of the bin, it was happy, even though its heart was breaking. Nothing could pull them apart now.
Arel Ji Arsi
Januay 2010
One day, the mother brought her little daughter back from a birthday party. The little girl stepped out of the car with her small hand clutching the string of a violet balloon. The cactus gazed out of the window and was immediately drawn to this balloon. It danced with the wind, bobbing softly and shimmering in the light. The cactus, leading its plain, uneventful life, had never seen anything so beautiful or bright, and it was determined to meet this beautiful balloon. After two days, his wish came true.
The balloon freed itself from the study table that the girl had attached it to and floated down the house, peeking into the various rooms before sliding into the office. It peeked through the door and immediately focused on the cactus, taking notice of its spikes glittering in the moonlight, and its coarse, rough skin. Carefully, the balloon floated through the doorway and approached the object which it was fascinated by.
The two looked on each other for a long while, examining every detail. Silence had never been so loud, and to the cactus, it was deafening. Eventually, after memorizing everything about the cactus, the handsome cactus, the balloon murmured, “Hi”.
Silence roared on, and the balloon hovered, waiting. Eventually, the cactus squeaked, “Hi.”
There was another pause, but it was a comfortable one. The cactus broke it with a simple, “How are you?” and the conversation escalated just from that.
Morning came too early for their liking – the father walked into his office, noticed the balloon and returned it to his daughter’s room while she was still asleep. The cactus watched his new friend float away, string tight in the father’s hand, and called, “I’ll miss you.”
The next night, the balloon untangled itself again and drifted over to the office, eager to see the cactus. They stayed still for a few moments, just content with each others’ presence, and they continued their conversation from the night before.
And so for the next few weeks, the three of them got used to the routine. The cactus would wait, the balloon would appear, and the father would take the balloon away in the morning. Although the two missed each other immensely during the hours of the day, they looked forward to nightfall, when they would see each other again.
One night, the balloon floated in to the office and said, “Cactus, I am growing weak. I fear that I will begin to deflate very soon.”
The cactus was silent, slowly crumbling inside. Then it spoke: “Balloon, even when you are completely empty of air and you move no more, I will still love you.”
The balloon felt a rush of happiness and gratitude towards the cactus. It floated closer than it ever had, centimeters away. It said, “I want to stay with you forever. I don’t want him to take me away in the morning.”
“Then stay.” whispered the cactus.
It inched forward, and with a squeak so terrible it ached, one of the cactus’ spikes prodded the balloon and it watched its love sink onto its arm, lifeless.The cactus wailed with pain, clutching onto the balloon.
Morning came, the sun shone through the window and rays of light danced on the matte surface of the balloon. The father came into the room, as always, and tried to pull the balloon off the cactus.
“No”, thought the cactus. “I’m not letting go.”
And no matter how hard the father tugged and heaved, the cactus and the balloon were still attached. Sighing, he went to inform his daughter of her loss, and tossed the cactus and the balloon into the trash bin outside on his way to work.
As the cactus listened to the rumble of the car’s engine and the sound of it speeding down the street through the metal walls of the bin, it was happy, even though its heart was breaking. Nothing could pull them apart now.
Arel Ji Arsi
Januay 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
sipian ode
My life’s a journey of destructive emotions
Negative thoughts and perfected imperfections
I was a lamentably pained person before
Until you came and changed me to the very core
I will never know why you did not run away
I will never understand why you chose to stay
You said you’re not afraid to love, to take a chance
That’s why you did not leave, you made a bolder stance
You chose to make your mark on the roygbiv wall
You took a big leap as if you could never fall
We veered away from the norms of the society
Under the twin crescent we struggled to be free
They say it’s a disease like the werewolf and moon
For us it’s just a phase that we’ll get over soon
We do not care, for those who mind do not matter
And those who matter do not mind we’re together.
Negative thoughts and perfected imperfections
I was a lamentably pained person before
Until you came and changed me to the very core
I will never know why you did not run away
I will never understand why you chose to stay
You said you’re not afraid to love, to take a chance
That’s why you did not leave, you made a bolder stance
You chose to make your mark on the roygbiv wall
You took a big leap as if you could never fall
We veered away from the norms of the society
Under the twin crescent we struggled to be free
They say it’s a disease like the werewolf and moon
For us it’s just a phase that we’ll get over soon
We do not care, for those who mind do not matter
And those who matter do not mind we’re together.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Under the Microscope
With light directed and concentrated on me
I tried to move out of the slide very weakly
But as a minute object under scrutiny
Escaping the vast glass would take eternity
The glass heavens above is covered usually
By eyes of the storm that see good in nobody
Endless, thunderous jeers can be heard vividly
Violent, gusty blows riddled with mockery
On the verge of losing hope, I paused and looked up
I knelt, I prayed for all these agonies to stop
Suddenly, a greater light was focused on me
So great, yet so gentle, that it made me feel free
The glass heavens collapsed, a bright sky was revealed
Love, faith, hope and forgiveness, in me was instilled
Because of shame, awe, but most of all, joy, I cried
Before me is The One who, for everyone, died
I woke up with warm tears still rolling down my face
And with my heart filled with His overwhelming grace
Under the microscope, forever we won’t be
But He, will stay with us, for all eternity
August 23, 2010
I tried to move out of the slide very weakly
But as a minute object under scrutiny
Escaping the vast glass would take eternity
The glass heavens above is covered usually
By eyes of the storm that see good in nobody
Endless, thunderous jeers can be heard vividly
Violent, gusty blows riddled with mockery
On the verge of losing hope, I paused and looked up
I knelt, I prayed for all these agonies to stop
Suddenly, a greater light was focused on me
So great, yet so gentle, that it made me feel free
The glass heavens collapsed, a bright sky was revealed
Love, faith, hope and forgiveness, in me was instilled
Because of shame, awe, but most of all, joy, I cried
Before me is The One who, for everyone, died
I woke up with warm tears still rolling down my face
And with my heart filled with His overwhelming grace
Under the microscope, forever we won’t be
But He, will stay with us, for all eternity
August 23, 2010
I. HATE. YOU.
I.
The ninth letter of the English alphabet
Pronoun, first person, pertaining to the self or ego
Derived from the Old English word “ic”, Noah Webster says
The symbol for moment of inertia - oh, in Physics I’m a mess
“I” can not stand alone, grammatically speaking
Yet I, always am alone, isn’t that boring?
It’s just I, there’s no more “us”, there’s no more “we”
It’s just I, who’s in pain, can not you see?
And I, will never matter to you, for it’s just I
I hate you.
HATE.
A noun
Intensely hostile aversion, compounded of anger and fear
Etymologically, from the words “hatian” and “hete”
Hate is the word the word love would love to hate
But for me, simply the summary of what I feel for you
Before, I hated myself for the times I’m starting to hate you
Then I hated myself for not hating you from the very start
Now, I hate myself for I can’t stop hating you
But why hate myself, if I could just hate you?
I hate you.
YOU.
Pronoun, second person, singular and plural
Defined as “to whom one is speaking”
Derived from the Old English word “ēow”
Webster says so little about you so I’ll add my piece too
It’s always you, never me
It’s always you and your face so pretty
You make my blood pressure go up, my defenses crumble down
You will never be mine because for you, it’s not just me
There’s always “us”, there’s always “we”
I hate you.
August 20, 2010
The ninth letter of the English alphabet
Pronoun, first person, pertaining to the self or ego
Derived from the Old English word “ic”, Noah Webster says
The symbol for moment of inertia - oh, in Physics I’m a mess
“I” can not stand alone, grammatically speaking
Yet I, always am alone, isn’t that boring?
It’s just I, there’s no more “us”, there’s no more “we”
It’s just I, who’s in pain, can not you see?
And I, will never matter to you, for it’s just I
I hate you.
HATE.
A noun
Intensely hostile aversion, compounded of anger and fear
Etymologically, from the words “hatian” and “hete”
Hate is the word the word love would love to hate
But for me, simply the summary of what I feel for you
Before, I hated myself for the times I’m starting to hate you
Then I hated myself for not hating you from the very start
Now, I hate myself for I can’t stop hating you
But why hate myself, if I could just hate you?
I hate you.
YOU.
Pronoun, second person, singular and plural
Defined as “to whom one is speaking”
Derived from the Old English word “ēow”
Webster says so little about you so I’ll add my piece too
It’s always you, never me
It’s always you and your face so pretty
You make my blood pressure go up, my defenses crumble down
You will never be mine because for you, it’s not just me
There’s always “us”, there’s always “we”
I hate you.
August 20, 2010
In Our Orchard
(inspired by In the Orchard of Muriel Stuart)
areljiar & waydiem
Girl:
I thought that night I saw love in your eyes
But now it turned out you’re as cold as ice
Please tell me that what you said is untrue
Or else I will be doomed, forever blue.
Boy:
Oh girl I never said that I love you
Though that night you stood out, yes it is true
When Ceres shone and let you lead the show
Who would not be seduced by one aglow?
Girl:
I know that boys forever will be boys
And you can’t help but see us girls as toys
That you are not like them, I did assume
I pictured me and you as bride and groom.
Boy:
Sometimes it’s good to have someone to hold
To love and promise things never been told
But girl it is not love I feel for you
Let’s now part ways and bid our last adieu.
3rd year, 2nd Semester (Creative Writing)
areljiar & waydiem
Girl:
I thought that night I saw love in your eyes
But now it turned out you’re as cold as ice
Please tell me that what you said is untrue
Or else I will be doomed, forever blue.
Boy:
Oh girl I never said that I love you
Though that night you stood out, yes it is true
When Ceres shone and let you lead the show
Who would not be seduced by one aglow?
Girl:
I know that boys forever will be boys
And you can’t help but see us girls as toys
That you are not like them, I did assume
I pictured me and you as bride and groom.
Boy:
Sometimes it’s good to have someone to hold
To love and promise things never been told
But girl it is not love I feel for you
Let’s now part ways and bid our last adieu.
3rd year, 2nd Semester (Creative Writing)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
P.U.P. (Paaralang Uber Pinagpala)
P.U.P., P.U.P., aming Sintang Paaralan
Kung saan upuan at mesa’y nagliliparan
Antigong pasilidad, aktibong aktibismo,
Yun na ba ang kabuuan, ang lahat-lahat sa ‘yo?
Pag-eksena mo sa You Tube, hits ay libo libo
Sa world wide trending sa Twitter, pang-numero uno
Parang promo, “But wait, there’s more” trivias tungkol sa ‘yo
Isa-isahin natin ang laman ng profile mo.
Sa PUPCET Application kailangan ng tibay
Sa haba ng pila, pasok sa Guinness, pamatay
Dose pesos kada yunit, for the Madlang Pipol
Edukasyong de kalidad, matindi kang sampol.
High school seniors na pumasa sa entrance exam mo
Sinanay sa ingay na hangad ay pagbabago
Kaliwa’t kanang daing, ang ilan ay pasigaw
Wa-epek sa iskolars na sa dunong ay uhaw.
Sa kabila ng mga pula’t batikos sa ‘yo
Kasing tibay ka ni Ted na half-marmol, half-tao
Sa seatworks mo pa lang, nosebleed na ang mga Conyo
What more when they hear your manong guards na ingglisero?
At mga bahagi mo’y hindi lang kontrobersyal
Sapagakat ang karamihan ay ubod ng mahal
Kung ‘di dahil na rin sa katangian ng ilan
Na sadya namang karapat-dapat pag-usapan.
Imbakan mo ng tubig na wirdo ang disenyo
‘Di maiwasang magtanong, “Yun ba ay U.F.O.?”
Iyong infamous lagoon, hindi rin papahuli
Tambayan ng marami, kakulay man ng green tea.
Tinitipid ka raw sabi ng nakararami
Denial mode ka agad, mabilis na tumanggi
Pruweba mo sa lahat ang yong pagpapaganda
Nakuha mo ngang gayahin ang Great Wall of China.
At kung fashion statement naman ang pag-uusapan
Magpapahuli ba d’yan ang mga PUPian?
Rakista, Yuppie, pang-kulto, crossdressers ay meron
Animé, hip-hop, casual, Emo, pati Jejemon.
Salat ka man sa maraming pangangailangan
Sa dami ba naman ng sa ‘yo ay nananahan
Kung sa Facebook Like kita, sa Twitter I am a fan
UNO sa classcard ng bawat Iskolar ng Bayan.
‘Di umano’y dumaranas ng discrimination
Kapag sa ‘yo ginugol ang college education
What the… pakialam namin, for us you are the best
Be it public or private, you’re a cut above the rest.
Pasasaan ba at magkikita tayong muli
Ikaw na “King of All Media”, sa balita’y suki
Sa ‘yo ay nagpupugay bawat Isko at Iska
Salamat sa mga taong kami’y kinalinga.
August 16, 2010
Kung saan upuan at mesa’y nagliliparan
Antigong pasilidad, aktibong aktibismo,
Yun na ba ang kabuuan, ang lahat-lahat sa ‘yo?
Pag-eksena mo sa You Tube, hits ay libo libo
Sa world wide trending sa Twitter, pang-numero uno
Parang promo, “But wait, there’s more” trivias tungkol sa ‘yo
Isa-isahin natin ang laman ng profile mo.
Sa PUPCET Application kailangan ng tibay
Sa haba ng pila, pasok sa Guinness, pamatay
Dose pesos kada yunit, for the Madlang Pipol
Edukasyong de kalidad, matindi kang sampol.
High school seniors na pumasa sa entrance exam mo
Sinanay sa ingay na hangad ay pagbabago
Kaliwa’t kanang daing, ang ilan ay pasigaw
Wa-epek sa iskolars na sa dunong ay uhaw.
Sa kabila ng mga pula’t batikos sa ‘yo
Kasing tibay ka ni Ted na half-marmol, half-tao
Sa seatworks mo pa lang, nosebleed na ang mga Conyo
What more when they hear your manong guards na ingglisero?
At mga bahagi mo’y hindi lang kontrobersyal
Sapagakat ang karamihan ay ubod ng mahal
Kung ‘di dahil na rin sa katangian ng ilan
Na sadya namang karapat-dapat pag-usapan.
Imbakan mo ng tubig na wirdo ang disenyo
‘Di maiwasang magtanong, “Yun ba ay U.F.O.?”
Iyong infamous lagoon, hindi rin papahuli
Tambayan ng marami, kakulay man ng green tea.
Tinitipid ka raw sabi ng nakararami
Denial mode ka agad, mabilis na tumanggi
Pruweba mo sa lahat ang yong pagpapaganda
Nakuha mo ngang gayahin ang Great Wall of China.
At kung fashion statement naman ang pag-uusapan
Magpapahuli ba d’yan ang mga PUPian?
Rakista, Yuppie, pang-kulto, crossdressers ay meron
Animé, hip-hop, casual, Emo, pati Jejemon.
Salat ka man sa maraming pangangailangan
Sa dami ba naman ng sa ‘yo ay nananahan
Kung sa Facebook Like kita, sa Twitter I am a fan
UNO sa classcard ng bawat Iskolar ng Bayan.
‘Di umano’y dumaranas ng discrimination
Kapag sa ‘yo ginugol ang college education
What the… pakialam namin, for us you are the best
Be it public or private, you’re a cut above the rest.
Pasasaan ba at magkikita tayong muli
Ikaw na “King of All Media”, sa balita’y suki
Sa ‘yo ay nagpupugay bawat Isko at Iska
Salamat sa mga taong kami’y kinalinga.
August 16, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
A Letter From Xocoatl
Farewell, my lover, champion of pure intentions,
Who presented fairytales in wanton versions.
For me, you’re still a deity, but now of nuisance,
I fervently bid you a joyous, good riddance.
You’ve lost the sensation of being moved to tears,
You appear so fragile yet you do not have fears.
Indeed you are on your way to losing your soul,
In fabulous raiment, a presentable ghoul.
What is it you see when you look in the mirror?
Is there a bright halo above your head my dear?
Perhaps a creepy shadow lurking at your back?
Who’ll stay behind you till your clock’s last tick and tock.
But before I finally say my last adieu ,
For good times’ sake, and as always, I’ll pray for you.
May you soon recover that thing called inner voice,
The one that will guide you in making the right choice.
June 30, 2010
VerT
I am an artist, and my life is my greatest work of art
CELEBRATE the flawed one who lives a flawless life
AND though some say I am nothing but ordinary
SING my lovers, yet softly, to deafen those fools not.
MYSELF even marvels on my effect over others
AND on opportunities and opportunists that come my way
WHAT else can I do but give in and play with them
I am only human, a slave of carnal appetite.
ASSUME, but not for long, that there are no boundaries
YOU who have longed to taste even just my fingertips
SHALL do everything I ask you to do, no more, no less
ASSUME, you all should, only what I assume.
FOR monogamy will never be the name of my game
EVERY single chance, every poor soul, I will give a go
SINGLE all we are, sharing wild desires
ATOM after atom, we’re part of a vast, green chain.
BELONGING to no one, I fraternize with anyone
TO some ignominious, not normal at least
ME, I don’t care, I won’t give a damn
AS I am who I am, learn how to deal with it.
GOOD looks, great mind, but most priced, a vulgar mouth
BELONGS to me, and so will be, all those who dare play with me
TO me, life is a game, with rules that change at my will
YOU, who’ll use your heart, are destined to lose the game.
April 6, 2010
neoceno RiVer
I wish I didn’t have this crush on you.
I don’t want it anymore.
But I do.
I wish I had looked into your eyes when we were just inches
apart, our heads bowed together, our fingers almost
touching over some project I was showing you.
I wanted to kiss you then to surprise you while
you entice me with your stirring words of wisdom and gentleness.
Your thoughts connect with mine, touching my heart with
inexplicable passion.
But I didn’t.
I wish I had crawled into your lap every single time
you sat down on that stationary table
Zephyrus- I would fit so perfectly against you.
I wanted my lips to graze against your ear while I
whisper all the things I would do with you.
But I didn’t.
I wish I had pushed you up against the wall and kissed you
hard when you smiled at me
one time we caught each other climbing the stairs.
I wanted to know what it was like to have your arms around me,
even just for a minute. I wanted to
think what it would be like if you were always there for me.
But I didn’t.
I wish I gratified when
you invited me to your place.
I wanted to slip my hands under your
distinctive raiment
and feel your skin. The people around would have made us rush,
but it would not have mattered to me,
I would finally have had a chance to taste you.
But I didn’t.
I wish in a selfish way that you were mine
even just for a few moments.
But you aren’t.
Most of all, I wish I didn’t share my secret
self with you, knowing
it made no difference at all.
But I did.
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