I Braved the Dust

For sentimental reason
    known only to me
   I braved the dust

There in the dark corner
  Stood old grandmother's chest
 all cobwebs and dust
   all mementos and memories
          longed and remembered

 I took out a blue ribboned stuff
  now almost three decades past
I browsed through each carefully
  Found a special space for old
    papers, wrappers and notes
  
As I froze and let the memories
     take me to my little chamber
There I stood, I remember my youth
 my sweet, naivete, first romance
     with my special friend

I set aside the dust from an old schoolpaper
   and blow amidst my sneezes and blows
 Carefully I found an old piece I have written
   There my heart in that point in time

Oh where is the past the long walks
    the stride from home to school a nd back
The weather we carelessly break through
   be it a hard rain and be soaked in the mud
Or a scorching heat of the noon sun
    While passing vehicles whip us with
     thick dust of the earth

But reality I wonder why
Like any theater play
   the curtain called
Like any song it has its refrain
    but at a certain time it has to end

I have many questions but I never ask
I could have my ways but I never complain
To comfort my nights I just keep this in my head
That some people are better off as friends than lovers
Wrote that in my head and  be content

Aaachuuuuuuuu!!
Amidst sneezes and blows
  my nose now red from rhinitis
REALITY bit me
My youth has gone
   and I am getting old
I have my own life my family for my reality
   I only have you for my memory

Listen Friend

(from an old old journal -  Year 1981 September
VCHS  mga pigaalamag nang poem kan hi school
nakutkutan sa baul    para kisiisay daw ini, lingaw
 ko na, kun siisay ka man - kung haen ka man,
 sabi ni pokwang, diyan ka na lang  :-)  )


Listen friend,
I've got a secret to tell
Did you know that I keep thinking of you?

Of the things you said to me
And all the topics we use to disagree

The fun and joy of walks under scorching sun
 Every step we make
    from home to school and back
Each step becomes
   a beautiful dance

And all about
   the hundred small and ordinary things
   that happen each day
This foolish heart meant they
     so special to me

But why?
I keep myself asking
This mind boggling question
   eversince
Why is it that I am afraid to face the truth
    that you have a special place in my heart?

Knowing this
I hope you won't change
Coz'
I like your gentle ways
I like your playful eyes
i like your cheery smiles
In fact I like every part of you
And it will hurt me to lose you
Even as a FRIEND..