Me: Yesterday and Today

Though it's a shady, shadowy Saturday today in Hampton Roads (because it's wintertime, folks!), I'd like to cheer myself and you up, my dear FB friends, hoping that all is well, with God's blessings to us all. Smile!

(Note 1: From my binder-journal 2011, here's a poem I scribbled last year, 16Jan2011 (Sunday), in bed, while watching the 68th Golden Globe Awards on TV. I'd like to share it with you. Thank you!)

Having My Hair (Cut) Short Like in Boot Camp

Whew, it's less 

maintenance, I thought

about having a short hair

almost to the skin

of my head getting bald

and, indeed, I did

have a very short hair now

and I'm thankful

for I've never expected

that I'm getting bald

that's true

but what can I do

I'm getting old, too.

Yes, it's less maintenance, I know

don't need to see the barber

and spend more money

for my hair so often.

I like it this way

short hair and next probably

completely bald

someday, I predict

it's inevitable, you know

I'm going bald, yes!

but, do I really like it

this having no hair

on my head?

can't help it

but to accept it

ah, those boot camp days

they're back on me, again!

(c) by chris a. quilpa

(Note 2: below is another poem I wrote one year ago on 20Jan2011 (Thursday) while watching Rachel Ray Show on TV. To " mga kababayan" and FB friends familiar with me, I know, you guys can relate to my poem. I hope so. Thank you.)

Reflective Memories

The day I was born

I had no idea

how and what life was

but I survived

with loving care

from a lot of hands

and loving hearts.

The years that passed

I grew up knowing

how hard life is

when family is not well-to do

but there was hope

there was the struggle

and the endless determination

to make it---to survive life

amidst insurmountable  difficulties

hurdles and obstacles to overcome

along the way...

growing up in the countryside

a barrio called Naguilian 

in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur

where I learned early responsibilities

and life's lessons

fishing, farming, selling

all aspects of loom-weaving...

I went to church and school

hungry for everything 

under the sun---

in life--- knowledge and skills

experiences that strengthened me

and led me 

to places that enriched me

education that empowered

and emboldened me

to fight for my rights

as a human being

imperfect but worthy

with potentials and possibilities

to make a difference in the world.

Happenings around me

they've been part of world history

I didn't mind them all

I let them happen

for I didn't have any

control of those events

much more those natural occurrences

but I learned something

about them, I admit

for they shaped me

(to accept things in life)

to go on and seek my destiny

hopeful to be successful

in my own way

someday! 

(c) by chris.a.quilpa