I looked at the mirror...

I looked at the mirror
and I didn’t like what I see

Battles encountered along the journey
Reflect on the lines on the face
Golden linings upon the crown
Show the travel wasn’t a light one
And the eyes… the eyes speak
More than what the lips dare say

All of these can be hidden
By a jovial mask
A robe of achievements
And a tough armor of apathy

But once all alone
And all pretensions gone
The dragging of the feet continues
As fatigue starts to set in

I looked at the mirror
And I didn’t like what I see
While everybody can be fooled
Unfortunately, mirrors…
… mirrors don’t lie

--------------------------------------
Roy
July 9, 2011
5:40 p.m.
Angeles City
Philippines

One-night stand

And just for a night
I was bigger than my shadow

It felt good to be loved

Everybody wants to be near
or even just get a glimpse

It felt good to be loved

Flashes coming from all sides
as I pasted that requested smile

It felt good to be loved

Overwhelming, is just too pale
to describe the sensation then

It felt good to be loved

The evening halts... morning came
and suddenly, it was all too quiet

Yes, everything is back to normal

But at least, for a single night
I was able to experience the dream

And it felt good to be loved

----------------------------
Roy
May 28, 2011
1:10 p.m.
Cubao, Quezon City
Philippines



*written the day after the book launching

Empty shells of accomplishments

If all of these were only happening four or five years ago, I would have been the happiest man, because I would have beside me the proudest wife there would be in the world.

I knew she would have been happy and proud. I just knew she would.

But now, all of these seem bare and empty.

True, I am enjoying the accolades… the acknowledgments… the affirmations.

Honestly, I don’t understand why I tarried? Why did it take me so long?

Now, things that I only used to dream of are within my reach.

I should be happy.

I am, actually. To be honest, I am.

But once nighttime sets and silence prevails… the truth shouts itself… I am alone.

With no one to share all these accomplishments with… with no one beside me who would have been proud… for she’s already in another place.

Go on, I must. Because such is the norms of life... to continue the trek, to go on with the journey… and continue to accomplish more… accomplishments that all seem like shells – colorful and attractive… yet empty.