Starless Nights

Meygan stood on top of that unfamiliar hill, staring at the last rays of the sun as they slowly faded and disappeared in the horizon. She could hardly believe that she was in that place, totally alone. The quaint little barrio nestled just below the hill seemed too different and unwelcoming. She had realized that the moment she cast a quick glance at her spaghetti-strapped dress and five inch heels.

She was about to leave when she remembered why she was there in the first place. A few months before her Grampy’s sudden death, Meygan had not turned to the old man to ask for his advice even once. It was surprising for she had always depended on her Grampy and his words since she was a child. Then she changed — believing that she had grown up and that her dear grandfather’s advice were mere words… mere lies…

Red and Purple Darkness

The shade of my red and purple umbrella as upon me made me darker than my shadow. Hiding underneath its protective dome made me feel safe. The darkness embraced me. I was hididng from the sun’s scorching heat and the rain’s never-ending downpour.

Reading Jack

He had no body hair. His skin was hard. I felt Jack’s deformed face. He doesn’t like it whenever I touch him. I always waited until I hear the silent sobbing end telling me that Jack has already fallen asleep.

Jack was quite angry at me when he found me trying to cook one afternoon. He told me I could never do it. He took my hands and tended to my cuts and told me he would never read to me again.

Knots

An overhand knot. Loop like bunny ears.

Another overhand.

With eyebrows almost meeting,

I concentrated

on the simplest

ordeal a six-year-old should ace.

Silver Ring Tanka

Out with the Blue

Five-twenty in the afternoon and still the line at the counter hadn’t moved.

To our beloved customers, closing time will be at six, blared the intercom.

Thunder sounded outside. He winced. Another storm.

All for a bar of soap. Really, Maria.

A Child’s Story

Before I nodded off to sleep at night

Mama would tell me a fairy tale

The princess meets her dear prince

“And then what next, Ma?’

A finger to her lips, she’d smile

“I’ll let you read the book tomorrow.”