A roasted chicken recently bought
Was put down on the table uncovered.
All the doors were locked
So my mind never bothered.
I called my mom and my bro
To settle down and eat.
Only then to realize
The plate was devoid of meat.
Then suddenly a fat-bellied cat
Walked past in front of me.
He burped, rolled, and yawned,
And then he moved by passively.
Then I suddenly realized
This couldn't be so,
A fat feline just mocked me
For not closing the window.
He must have jumped in,
And stole the food we bought.
He ate it whole, even bones
So his stomach is fraught.
To drown my anger of the cat,
I struggled to forget the food
But in vain, my thought's still full
"How it could have tasted so good!"
http://allpoetry.com/Life%20Messenger
The TiesThat Bind
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Once we were alone and separate. We do not know each other by even by name. No faces to smile at, no memories to cherish. Those were the times before the SUSI program. Looking at the ornament on Dr. John Foster’s garden made me realize how 20 strangers suddenly become friends. Like the gems dangling on a string, we were once separate and disconnected. It was the fortune to be part of the program that gave us a stronger connection to each other.
On this day, the 3rd of July. The 20 former strangers lined up on the grills with their meats and appetites ready. It took some time before the fire cooked the meat, and some needed a second heating of their food. Cooking the meat rare made it less appetizing. Also, the graduate mentors advised us to cook it thoroughly.
After a full plate, the strangers found places on the tables. With Banjovi, an American Band, playing in the background, the strangers conversed and became acquaintances. This continued for an hour so. Our attention was grasped by the music. Even if it was depressing, we pushed on. Food and conversations kept this day alive even if the music was less than uplifting.
As the country music fades into the sunset, picture flashes filled the night sky. The spirit of teamwork appeared in each one of the acquaintances, even friends. Everyone pitched in to mend the place before heading back. We are people who are talented enough to get here, and like the green grass around the ornament, we have the skill to make our surroundings more fertile. Our future will lead to more ties, but for now, this is the group of 20 friends that grew together.
On US Soil
Monday, June 28, 2010
This entry was written two days after we arrived. The reason was that my muses were still living on Philippine time. Inspiration failed to take hold. I was too weary from the near 24 hour flight to get to America. The flight held nothing of interest and the turbulence stopped me from reading the political satires of Jonathan Swift. My mind held nothing but a single goal- to hug a bed once we arrive at SIU.
And so I did the hugging, but the others were in high spirits and full of energy. I guess the jet lag did not show itself yet. I can cite a reason why we were so ‘alive’ but the reason was so trivial and odd that it might be a laugh once anyone reads it.
The reason was a squirrel popped out of nowhere and we were distracted by it. A sudden burst of laughter blew away all signs of fatigue and an extra spring on our step was restored. We napped a bit and after a while, we went out fully charged and headed out to explore the campus.
Super Sized Equals Teamwork
Our very first exposure to American Culture was at Dairy Queen. Hunger lead us to Dairy Queen. We ordered medium and large sizes since we thought that we would be getting the same portions as was back home. When we saw the portions, our eyes bulged as large as the meals we bought. It was culture shock through food and we had to endure eating beyond our limits, so to speak.
Cries of surrender were written on everyone’s faces. The only solution was for everyone to take turns eating the food we bought until we finish it all up. That was teamwork in terms of food. We left Dairy Queen with a stuffed stomach and a sense of accomplishment.
A New Sunset
I remembered wondering what the sunset in USA would look like. Here I am now and the sunset was set back three hours later than in the Philippines. I have not taken a picture of the sunset. I need not so. My curiosity has been satisfied and I will sleep soundly, except if jet lag intervenes. I saw the sunset here and in the back of my head, I still remember the sunset I left behind.
The Happy Mask (poem)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I have a mask, a happy mask,
A smile for all to see and know
But underneath this happy face
Is a frown full of sorrow.
If one tries to remove this mask
Under which, is just sadness here.
The happiness that once filled this guy
Is gone and nowhere near.
There are times I wish this to end
To sleep with no need to wake.
I am human-broken…
How much more need I take?
Each night, to my bed, I retire
Phasing out the next day.
Oh heaven, heaven answer me,
How long will it stay this way?
At first I heard no answer
Until an advice I’ve done
I cut off the mask and showed who I am
And a new life I’ve begun.
Then I learned to let it go,
Have a better look at my life
For if the mind is full of light
The future holds less of strife.
http://www.writing.com/main/portfolio/view/endwave12