BOTTLE LINE

I had a little conversation with an old friend last night. Greeted each other and asked what life has brought us during these past years. We've talked of old friends who are hardly seen until now. I guess the last time i've seen some of them was in 1999. It's been a decade. He asked me if I knew Kabig but I couldn't remember anymore. Maybe if I could see a picture of him everything will flash black in my mind. My high school days was happy too though there were things i hated so much that i wished they didn't happen. But i dont regret any. They we're part of what moulded me into what I am now. Thanks to them anyway.

I asked him if he has lots of "kabarkada" there in Manila. He said he has lots along the neighboorhood. Then I said "Oo nga pal! Mabarkada ka!"

He said "Nasa pakikisama lang yan!"

That's true. You can never really have a better companionship if you dont know how to get along with people. That friend of mine was once a freak. Maybe until now. But I see the changes. More responsible and sensible. I remembered when we had booze along the river in our town. Together with some friends we lit bonfires and enjoyed the moments. We were all young, adventurous. He is good now. He has a family now. And has his first daughter that looked like much of him. Hahahahaha. I'm sure that baby rocks too just like his dad.

Then he threw the question back at me.

"Oo. Marami rin. Kaya lang yung iba nagtitext lang kapag gustong uminom!"

"Di sila barkada! Gusto lang tumikim ng alak mga yun!"

He shook me. Of course I know It was the only purpose. And i was a fool that i still accomodate some of the "kabarkadas" in my house. I am having fun though. At least I was just being "a nice guy" not a "boy next door". Hahahaha. Silly! Thanks Pilas! Adik ka talaga!

It's true that I don't see real friendship with them. But I cannot be used. After all, it's always in my hand if I may allow to drink with them again. I am having fun with the booze and the short stupid stories. Not with their "barkada." I just have to live with it. At least I haven't given them my confidence and trust.

Thanks to my real friends and real people! Inuman na!

AT THE HORIZON

I was looking at the horizon.
Darkness fell.
The people I've hoped for were nowhere to be seen.
I sat on the edge of this world,
And then I looked up.
There it was,
A guiding light.
So I stood.
Realized that they didn't walk with me to find a better way,
But only to mislead me.
I went on.
Thankful...

IN A LITTLE WHILE

It was late at night. There was a man down the beach. He sat on the sand. The ocean was calm. The sky was clear. Everything was almost still.

He was exhausted. Just wanted to get over the busy life. He felt the cold sand beneath his feet. Relaxed and comforted by the moonlight and the soft breeze. Nobody was there. He needed this big space to breathe and to figure things out. His mind sailed away on to the ocean. Its been long... And it has been miles of sailing... The shore still seemed way too far. It would still be a long voyage. It was rough. He was caught in a storm. He knew there are more to come.

He was alone. Off the coast he was unaccompanied. He was a boy. Young and abandoned. It was long ago since he craved for attention... For guidance... He was like begging for love... He remembered his mom... When she carried him in her arms... Wrapped with warmth of love.. He was protected... As he opened his eyes and finally seen the world... There were saline drops... From his mom... She let go of him... Settled him on the ground... He was innocent... He just smiled... Mom on her knees and kissed her boy goodbye...

He was innocent of the world... Mom went away... There was dad... He went to his father. Looked up at him. Face saddened. He needed the comfort. He needed a home. At that very moment, tears fell from him... From the heart... He was a son... He was supposed to be in a family...

The house wasn't comfortable for him to dwell on.. He stayed outside but near the house... Through the windows he'd seen them... They were happy... He longed for the house that was once his home... The boy was about to leave... He will miss everything there... And everyone... Then he looked back... He was there... Dad was smiling at him... The boy was filled with joy... The smile showed love... Then dad turned on his back and walked away... The smile showed care. It meant love. But it also said "Bon Voyage"...

He closed his eyes and tears fell down on the sand. In a little while, he was away from harm... In a little while, he cried his heart out... In a little while, he realized he was still sailing.. And he has gone far.. And he was glad... He looked up the sky... Wished like every other man does... He hoped... He prayed... He stood... And went away... He was sure he won't be alone anymore...