Letters

abc is one of the many things you first thought us
singing along with the alphabet song even you don’t carry a tune
you guided our hands forming those letters in papers
making sure we excel in school

then school become bigger, and lessons got harder
but your teachings never fail, even when you don’t always get to be there
you teach us to be tough and be smart, be kind and be helpful
you become an example to the three of us, our guide and our mentor

every battle we face in life, we face them with you
no matter how tough life can be, we know we can make it through
the strength you share to us feels like a river with no ends
you keep on giving, keep on loving even at times we don’t feel deserving

so from the alphabet you teach us, let me send them back to you
even words are not enough, and letters are too short
let me say my gratitude and know that you are appreciated
we are forever thankful for building our solid foundation

Morning Scenes

it’s three in the morning
lights are still off
but candles are lit
she on her knees
with her weary face
and circle of beads on hand
talking to high above
praying for her little ones

the next morning
you will find her
in the same spot
back on her knees
quietly conversing
to the unseen listener
the only difference
is the light on her face

each morning is the same
a scene in repeat
a routine she intend to keep
without end, without fail
just like her mother
and her mother’s mother
because like them
she believe

Stroke

you are the toughest person I know
also the smartest one
just two of the million reasons
why I am so proud to call you mom
this recent battle you are in
is just another test from above
to prove how strong
and brave you really are

your doctors cannot believe
how you manage to survive
though it is not without a scratch
but it is truly a miracle one
they say you need operations
open your skull and check your head
as if you are just one of those experiments
they wanted to see your brain

but with your stubbornness
the sharp knife manage to stay away
then the battle continues
beyond the hospital bed
now itchiness is your new companion
something no medicines, nor ointments can cure
because according to you specialist
they are just inside your head

parts of your body doesn’t even respond
they are as stubborn as you are
no matter how much you ask and plead
to your brain to make them move
they don’t take the commands,
not the pleads, and not the threats
your orders and wishes
are nothing to them anymore

we may not physically feel
all your struggles and frustrations
but know we are tying our best
to be more patient, loving and helpful
we are here to share our strength
and help you win this war
we promise to pick you up
when you are stuck on the ground

this battle you are currently in
is not for you to face alone
we are always on your side
fighting together your demons
if only we can take the pains,
all your struggles and your frustrations
we will carry them all for you
no need for you to ask us to