Alphabet Poetry Series: “G is for Gloss”

Lilet Poster White_site_905

she had a tendency to do that
in order to survive
not have to face the pain
to lose again

important matters brushed aside
what’s important anyway?
stuff happens no matter what
she hasn’t got time for that

it’s a talent, really
glossing over everything
invincible to consequence
at her children’s expense

someone has to reap
whatever she sows
even though her selfishness
has a gloss of loveliness

poor children
dear children
“trying to gloss away
the irrationalities
of the universe”

{Quote by Irwin Edman.}

The film “Lilet Never Happened” is a character driven story about Lilet, a maladjusted Filipino street-girl, struggling to survive on the streets of Manila. International social worker Claire tries to safe her but this hard headed, traumatized girl thinks she can take her life in her own hands. Though Lilet gets many opportunities to quit, she stubbornly chooses the hard way. The film is based on interviews with Lilet, a little girl, who became Manila’s most famous child prostitute.

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Conceal / Unconceal

In the city of Manila, I remember always seeing kids go from car to tourists to jeepneys and people coming out of churches with strings of Sampaguitas in their little hands.  As a kid, sometimes it made me scared to talk to them.  Other times, I wished I had money so I could buy some from them – at the very least, because I loved the smell of those tiny, white, fragrant flowers…

Day 5 of 2013 November PAD challenge.

Conceal / Unconceal

sampaguita girl

Ma’am, please buy some flowers
They’re lovely, you see?
And smell them!
They smell like heaven!
Please?
Even one would be good
My mom, you see
She’s terribly sick
And my dad has run away
My little brother right here
Hasn’t eaten for days
And my baby sister
is in need of milk
and…
Really?!
You’ll buy them all?
Thank you, Ma’am!
God bless you, Ma’am!
My family thanks you, Ma’am!

one peso…
five pesos…
ten pesos…
twenty pesos…

Here you go, Boss!
I did good today, right?
Can I have my dinner now please?
And can I play after that?
Thanks, Boss!
I’ll be good tomorrow too
Just wait and see
And you won’t even have to beat me
I’ll meet my quota
And maybe more
Just please
Don’t beat me
Don’t beat me
Anymore
Please…

2013NovPAD_button

Rage Tide

Between these four walls
A secret ocean
Contains a rage tide
For the innocent ones
At times caressing
And soothing
A mellow ebb and flow
Then from deep within
A fire starts
And pressure released
Explodes to crash
Loud resounding angry
Hurtful energy
Smash
There is nowhere to go
Trapped at sea
Suffering
Defeated
Helpless
Waiting for the sea
To calm down
Pray for the rage tide to pass
Soon
Fearful for the next
expected-unexpected wave
Of
Happy
Hurt
Fear
Happy
Hurt
Fear
Happy…

Hunted

run

run

run

turn.

circle?

familiar.

turn back.

run

run

run

turn.

here?

dark.

covered.

perfect hiding place.