#Poetry

39

Fridays

Essay

Some Fridays I want to be spoiled. Like an unproductive easy-going guy who does nothing in a perfect morning. I want to doom scroll through reels like a fool on …

Dad

Note

How can I be the best dad?
my younger friend asked.

You’ll become a great one
the moment you learn to heal
your kids’ wounds
with a single kiss.

The past smiled at me.

You

Note

“Daddy, what is the most beautiful thing
you have seen in your whole life?”

my little one asked.

“You,” I replied.

She laughed while hugging me tightly.

Stars

Note

What is love?
the younger one asked me.

After decades of togetherness,
you can still see the stars
in her eyes when you look at her.

I replied,
while looking at her.

Magic

Note

What is Magic, Daddy?
My little one asked.
I can see myself in your eyes
when you are smiling,
I answered.

I don’t know whether
she got it or not,
but she smiled.

The illusionist

Note

My poems can make
you believe
I am the one
you dream of.

But I am sorry love,
I am the illusionist
you were never
destined to meet.

Sweat

Note

I don’t know
what makes us sweat
at midnight,
the summer
or the love.

I lied to you

Essay

I lied to you. When missiles struck places near my home, when I was packing essentials to run away, when I drove through highways while bombings happened.

Reborn

Note

I know I must
endure this suffering,
For there is no other way.
But I don’t know
how to bear the pain
The ache in my heart is real,
And it’s killing me
inch by inch.

I have lost the last shred of courage
Yet, beyond this pain,
I hope to remain,
reborn as Buddha again.