time—we set
   that we won't fret
     just to get set
      and not forget

      sleep—an endless feud
    where we get sued
  when we elude
a debt often eschewed

time—you set
  that you won't fret
    just to get set
      only to forget

      sleep—an endless feud
    deliberately sued,
  you just stood
paid the debt; ceased the feud

I used to think that this storm would last forever
That the grey skies would haunt me day and night
But ever since that fateful day we met
After the incessant rain, a sprout is sure to bloom.

© Johnre Gabo, 2025

I saw a thousand stars
but a thousand stars up
above the sky is no match
for your beautiful eyes.

If I were to die, I'd want my
heart to haunt you
until we meet again;

Please be the light of my
candle for I will be needing
your warmth in this darkness.

Please be the flame of my
candle so when I depart,
my heart will spend time
haunting your ineffable flame.

© Aaron Salagubang, 2020

I.
I have accepted my fate;
My inability to move, to speak
The fast-paced switching of scenes
Each time I get to blink.

I do understand the gap—
The pressure of compactibility; claustrophobia
Interferance may set you ablaze–
Or so I told myself.

II.
It has always been like this:
An ever-repeating cycle
The blending and molding
Into what I ought to be.

Time became my comfort
As I warmed and accepted change
Pieces of me were scattered
Now, I am complete.

crumbs colliding
to form a singularity,
gave birth to my
own destruction

To turn your back and walk away
Away from what you once held dear
Oh dear, you knew you had to go
Go to where the wind will take you
You befriended melancholy
Melancholy was stuck with you
You were merry, you must admit
Admit that it was all okay
"Okay" is what you always say
Won't say for fear of them to know
Know the truth, it can only hurt
Hurt the ones you cherish the most
Most of them will be kept inside
Inside where they can safely slumber
So slumber now though do not sink
Sink in the letters of goodbye