Reflecting on Life’s Fragility

Have you ever stopped to ponder the fragility of life, the delicate balance between existence and the unknown?

It’s a question that has been on my mind lately, prompted by the departure of cherished family members, relatives, and loved ones. Their sudden absence serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of cherishing every moment given to us.

Life is indeed a fragile gift, a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of existence. Yet, we often act as if time stretches endlessly before us, busying ourselves with future plans and aspirations as if life were solely about reaching a destination. And in our haste to reach the next milestone, we often find ourselves wishing away time, longing for the future while neglecting the beauty of the present moment. But the truth is, time is a finite resource, and every passing moment brings us closer to the inevitable end.

In the rush of everyday life, it’s all too easy to get caught up in what we think is important or what society demands of us. We chase after material possessions, fleeting pleasures, and superficial success, often forgetting the simple joys and profound connections that give life its true meaning. We prioritize trivial matters over the things that truly matter.

In our final moments, it’s not the size of our bank accounts or the number of accolades on our resumes that matter. It’s the quality of our relationships, the depth of our connections, and the impact we’ve had on the lives of others. The things that once seemed so important fade into insignificance, replaced by a deep longing for the things that truly matter: love, connection, and purpose.

So let us not wait until our time is running out to live with intention and purpose. Let us cherish each moment, cultivate meaningful relationships, and strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. Let us live our lives in such a way that when our time finally comes, we can depart with no regrets, knowing that we have truly lived.

Hero

This poem is my tribute to my mother, who battled illness for seven years until her recent passing. It reflects on her role as an everyday hero, making life easier for us. As age caught up with her, the poem gently acknowledges her humanity and urges her to rest, passing on the hero’s cape. It’s a promise to continue her legacy, a heartfelt acknowledgement of her enduring impact despite the challenges she faced.

Hero
Back in the day, I used to wonder how invincible you were,
the everyday hero that we were so lucky to have.
You make life easier by always being around;
it was like you made it your job to save your little ones.

You make things simple, and every problem solvable,
as if all the answers are just lying there all along.
How you do it is always a mystery to me,
an enigma I gave up uncovering a long time ago.

Now that you no longer have the strength to continue the role,
because the fact is, you are just as human as we all are.
Old age finally caught up, your body is already failing you,
and there is nothing on earth that can be done.

So, turn over your cape, and let us do the rest.
It’s now time for you to get some rest.
Let us be the hero that you are to all of us;
we promise to carry and continue your legacy.

Shift

water flows down again from your skinny face,
and seeing them now makes me feel helpless,
especially since I caused it in the first place.

I am sorry; sometimes I forget about your condition,
and I’m still not used to all these shifts around us

you used to be the stronger one,
the fighter, the brave, the one we all turned to for help

I’m still trying to fit myself into this new role,
and no amount of training can prepare me for it,
but I have no choice but to give my best

sometimes I wish you could guide me like you used to,
but I know you’ve already done your part,
and I can only hope I’ve learned enough to make you proud

sometimes I wish I could be the hero you are to me,
to save you from all the pain and worries,
but I know no one can replace you,
and all I can do is be strong for you

Through the Lens

In the realm of cameras,
the lens is the window to the world,
framing and capturing the scene,
focusing our attention.

But sometimes the lens can deceive,
cropping out what we cannot see,
showing only what it wants us to perceive,
blurring reality, leaving us naïve.

It’s a metaphor for life, you see,
our lenses shaped by experience and belief,
our conscious and subconscious themes,
controlling what we perceive.

We see what we want to see,
what our lens allows us to perceive,
missing out on the rest of the scene,
trapped in a myopic, self-imposed scheme.

So, let’s be mindful of our lenses,
expand our focus, adjust our frames,
so we can see more of life’s beauty,
and not just what our lens proclaims.

Heroic Reality

It’s easy to be captivated
by the tales we’re told
of heroes and their bravery
and how they are so bold.

In our minds, they seem invincible
a symbol of hope, a shining example
but when we meet them in the flesh
we realize they too are human, no less.

Flawed and imperfect, just like the rest
yet, it’s their perseverance that truly impress
for they faced their fears and overcame
and for that, we admire them with acclamation.

We imagine what it would be like
to meet them in person one day
to see if they’re as impressive
as the stories that have come our way.

But sometimes the image shatters
when we finally come face to face
and we realize with disappointment
they’re just human, in the same place.

Perhaps we’ve set our expectations
too high, without reason or rhyme
forgetting that heroes, too, are flawed
and that’s perfectly fine, every time.

So let’s cherish the inspiration they bring
the lessons they teach and the good they do
but let’s not forget they’re human too
just like me and just like you.

Prayers

You are not my answered prayer
Like what they thought you are
Because my prayers are never been about asking
But more about gratefulness and thank yous

I never needed a savior to rescue me
Or someone to give me things I couldn’t achieve
My prayers were about finding inner peace
To see the beauty in life and to live with ease

But then you came along
And everything changed, I felt so strong
I never asked for love, but you gave it anyway
And now I pray that you’re here to stay

I rarely asked anything, never demand something
But for the first time, I’m asking high above
To let you stay in my life for as long as possible
Let me continue this new journey with you

A new path I intend to take, with you by my side
I pray that every step we take will be a joyful ride
And even when the road is bumpy and steep
I pray that our love will be strong enough to keep

So, you may not be the answer to my prayers
But I’m grateful for you, for the love we share
With each inhalation, I express gratitude,
As destiny’s divine hand brought me to you.