Beyond Her Rubrics Cube and Ginisang Gulay

Nina didn’t see any changes. As she gazed towards their barrio’s bountiful field, she allowed her arms to flail freely through the open window in the warmth of the summer’s day. The heat consumed her body and almost burnt her skin. The panoramic view of towering acacia and bamboo trees beside their kubo were like splendid living replicas of heavenly stairways, along with her garden, countless Gumamelas, Maravillosas and Ilang-ilang shaded in different hues of which she planted three years ago, and was fenced by sun burned bamboo poles and cogon grasses, had burst into full bloom . Almost everything was at their usual, but not quite.

No room for much admiration because she still have to cook afternoon meal for her sickly father. A steaming ginisang gulay would probably fit for a good meal. As she headed back in the kitchen, she noticed her old Rubric’s cube on top of their almost worn-out rattan couch. Surprisingly, it was perfectly arranged according to colors. It was beautiful. No one would dare to arrange it for there were only two of them inside the kubo. As she was going to inquire him, her father spoke of assertion in low-tone which was apparently much to her amazement.

Forgiveness in Denmark

 

“Thank you for your help, perhaps this amount will make you understand how precious is my grandson,” Mr. Rimas said as he handed me a check.

There is something on his lap, hidden by his other hand. I tried to ignore it, so I smiled and nodded as a sign of thanks. He looked at the clouds outside the window the plane, seemed to be very excited to see the grandson he had never seen for five years.

Bitter Longing

I was

the seed of desire.

A hateful boon

among life’s choices

I had no right to decide.

a Curse

conceived by Nanay’s cold blood

wrapping my face

in a tight embrace

as she squeezed me out

with pure disgust.

 

Impairment

The black wooden casket drew attention inside the white painted walls. The curtains were drawn apart and the wide open door seemed welcoming. The lit candles beside the coffin danced along with the sweeping breeze as if inviting him to see his long lost mother.