[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” min_height=”” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_column_spacing=”” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_right=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top_medium=”” margin_bottom_medium=”” margin_top_small=”” margin_bottom_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top_medium=”” padding_right_medium=”” padding_bottom_medium=”” padding_left_medium=”” padding_top_small=”” padding_right_small=”” padding_bottom_small=”” padding_left_small=”” padding_top=”30px” padding_right=”30px” padding_bottom=”30px” padding_left=”30px” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_vertical=”” box_shadow_horizontal=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” z_index=”” overflow=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_background_color=”” sticky_height=”” sticky_offset=”” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true” spacing_right=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text]
“I can’t write about what I’m not anymore.
I’m not the hours spent lying face down on the floor,
nor the desperately hoping someone understands
if they see the raw skin on my trembling hands
Not the hole in the wall that I hid from my mother
or the sickly things I think I’m seen as by others
I’m not my anger, anxiety or paralyzing fear
I’m not the nights of sleepless salty tears
I’m not my milligrams and I never have been
I’m not any of these things and I never was.
These are parts of me still, and I say that because
they’re not beautiful and they’re not supposed to be
But that’s my story and it’s beautiful to me.”
Pepi Mercado
16
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_right=”2%” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
We Shall Overcome the Snare
At times such as these
We turn to you oh God
You’re our refuge
Our strength and our hope
Hear our cries
Calm down our fears
By Your power, deliver us oh Lord
As we flee from the scourge
Seeking comfort from You
We cut the snare,
The dread and its spread
Vic-tori-ous
Your Glory we sing
The kingdom was spared,
And we all rejoice
You heard our voices
And wiped out our tears
Our faith You remembered
We’ve been blessed.
Marn Bayquen Perez III
64
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
When all your energy has spilled,
Let this words hold your every organ,
The world may seem cruel dear,
But please keep looking away from such,
Search for that light beaming somewhere
Here and there, the light always peaks,
It is always somewhere close to us,
Maybe, beside us, behind us,
Waiting at the end of the tunnel,
But hopefully always in front
In depth, up high, the hunt might take,
Step back but please do not stop searching,
Open your eyes and keep looking,
For I will be somewhere around you,
Always waiting for you to look
Kara Patricia Go Agbayani
24
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” min_height=”” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_column_spacing=”” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_right=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top_medium=”” margin_bottom_medium=”” margin_top_small=”” margin_bottom_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top_medium=”” padding_right_medium=”” padding_bottom_medium=”” padding_left_medium=”” padding_top_small=”” padding_right_small=”” padding_bottom_small=”” padding_left_small=”” padding_top=”30px” padding_right=”30px” padding_bottom=”30px” padding_left=”30px” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_vertical=”” box_shadow_horizontal=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” z_index=”” overflow=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”#cccccc” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_background_color=”” sticky_height=”” sticky_offset=”” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Never Have I Ever
Ever thought of that 9mm in your head?
I Have!!
Ever thought of being suspended 6 feet from the ground?
I Have!!
Ever thought of feeling the breeze course through your veins as you descend?
I Have!!
Ever thought of waking up tomorrow?
I Have???
Philip John Omaweng
16
Sagada, Mountain Province
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
The Broken Mind
The mind, the part we cannot see;
Our lives, our memories does it hold
The essence that makes you and me,
From the tender young to the fragile old.
Smiles can hide the hurt and pain;
Laughs can deafen the distant cry.
Bad thoughts come creeping and remain;
The only self we have will die.
Open wounds take time to heal;
Disease and ailments have a cure.
Those depressed, how do they feel?
What dark despair must they endure!
Are you the one that God will send
To help the broken mind to mend?
Marcus Madarang
42
Tuba, Benguet (based in the U.S. now)
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Chimeras
I hear yellow, I hear green
I can hear colors you’ve never seen
I see whimpers I see whispers
I can see the sound of laughters
It’s so funny I feel scared
There’s a halo above my head!
A wide blank space beneath my feet
My head is pounding wildly
And my tears are flowing steady
There’s a tingling on my fingers
My skin crawling wild of jitters
I painted it bitter, I painted it sweet
Feel my story on this sheet
I taste light, I taste darkness
May these words be my witness
Aries Laging
22
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” min_height=”” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_column_spacing=”” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_right=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top_medium=”” margin_bottom_medium=”” margin_top_small=”” margin_bottom_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top_medium=”” padding_right_medium=”” padding_bottom_medium=”” padding_left_medium=”” padding_top_small=”” padding_right_small=”” padding_bottom_small=”” padding_left_small=”” padding_top=”30px” padding_right=”30px” padding_bottom=”30px” padding_left=”30px” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_vertical=”” box_shadow_horizontal=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” z_index=”” overflow=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_background_color=”” sticky_height=”” sticky_offset=”” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Cactus
I used to think
That it was my biggest mistake
To go on living
When I was born.
I thought it was my fate
To be alone and sad
Because I am not good at anything
Aside from giving pain.
But whenever the sun shines through me,
Whenever the wind kisses me
And whenever a stranger smiles at me,
I am learning to hope a little bit more.
Well, I just wished I had realized it sooner
That my birth is never a punishment
And that despite having these flaws,
I am still capable of being loved.
Alliah Angelika D. De Leon
21
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”false” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
ISANG YAKAP
Isang yakap upang mapawi ang pait ng kahapon
Isang yakap nang maibsan and hapdi at kirot mula sa sugat ng mga hamon
Isang yakap nang maibaon sa limot ang mga bangungot
Isang Yakap ang hinihiling ng pusong masalimuot
Isang yakap para sa mga damdaming pagal
Isang yakap para sa mga labis na nagmamahal
Isang yakap para sa mga nawalan ng puri at dangal
Isang yakap para sa isip na hangal
Isang yakap para sa kasagutan sa mga katanungan
Isang yakap nang matuldukan ang katapusan
Isang yakap, hawaan mo ako ng iyong karunungan
Isang yakap, nawa’y sana’y ako’y iyong matulungan
Donne Victor R. Naval
25
Baguio City
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” type=”1_3″][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
Dalawang libo’t dalawampu
Dalawang libo’t dalawampu,
Taong hindi makakalimutan
Maraming buhay ang kinuha,
Maraming patuloy na lumalaban
Tayo’y huminga, kumapit, at manalig
Pandemyang walang lunas,
Nagdulot ng sakit sa karamihan
Ating kalusugang pangkaisipan,
Hindi dapat kalimutan
Maglibang, makipag-usap, at maki-isa
Huwag panghinaan ng loob,
Ito’y mayroong hangganan
Hawakan mo aking kamay,
Hindi ka nag-iisa kaibigan
Laban lang at ipagpatuloy ang buhay
Rikka Antonette I. Landingin
20
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (goes to Baguio for school)
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The Field Behind Our House Never Floods
One time I pressed my cheek into the dirt
And I tried to slow my breath
I asked about the waters, where they went
But the ground simply swallowed up my query
So I turned my back, faced the bright sky instead
I knew when the clouds rolled quickly in
But I’ve already closed my eyes, begged for peace
And I felt the waters pool in my cheeks
The waters– they start to overwhelm again,
But I find I still breathe, I am nowhere near drowning
Some days, like this one, feel like night,
But I still feel the sun on my eyelids
Eventually the earth will reabsorb these same waters
But until then, the promise: the sun has not lost its light
And the field behind our house never floods
Dana Felix
26
Baguio City
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Be Carried Away
Self, too much is your mental agony you once didn’t want to live;
So much is your insanity you don’t feel the breeze upon your cheeks.
You watch your loved ones and best friends walk away from your life
Because they resist to understand you -and the battles you have;
Painful, isn’t it? But these experiences must tell YOU that you can heal, ALONE.
Self, learn to love your own self first ‘coz you cannot force somebody to love you—
Because sometimes the one you love the most will hurt you the most;
Remind yourself that you are priceless and worthy before you give yourself.
Let the wind carry you to a place where you can heal
Although other people are potential for help, Learn that you are your greatest healer—
That’s why they didn’t give you support — they refused to be your leaning rock,
That’s why they shied away, they walked away, they refused to love you back.
Because you are strong enough, You don’t need somebody to hold you,
You don’t need somebody to support you- Because you got the sun in you;
That is how the universe sees you, You will see it one day -the way I do today.
Ronald Sapirao Fernandez
21
La Trinidad, Benguet
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BRAINBOW
Red, green, blue— colors of happiness in lieu
Giggling in a peek-a-boo, same thing in a tic-tac-toe
A kid who sees the world with no clue
Of how cruel can it be too
Green to yellow to brown
Something has been drown
Chapters of life turned from page to page
Young mind was trapped in a dim cage
Living in a world of darkness
Mental health cannot be address
This black path needs a helping hand
Voice in ending the stigma needs a band
Diana Faye Cadugo
20
Ilocos Sur (studies in Baguio City)
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