There's a man standing down behind the tree, maybe that's a face, maybe that's a leaf. I'm terrified of the dark.

To you, my one and only unknown love, I bestow unto you my heart and burning desires.
I've dreamed of our wedding day, and much more to come.
But still with a blank slate, for you, my one and only unknown love.

I never meant to break your heart, I was just trying to preserve myself.

Your elegance entrances me.
The way you carry your words
the way they roll off your tongue
and melt like butter in my mind.
The way you carry your body
like you own the world
like you own the universe.
I am entranced by your elegance.

My name is JP
And I'm 23
I live somewhere in the Philippines
Where tropical birds are singing

I finished a Computer Science degree
And I currently work in an I.T. Company
As a Spiderman
Developing web programs

I earn about fourteen thousand pesos per month
Depending on the deductions my employers' cut
And the expenses I have to pay
Because I have to support my family everyday

My objective for sending you my résumé
Is to apply for a position, if I may
I am applying as your forever, if that's not too cliche
I am very serious, don't think of it as a play

I am not that hardworking, but I can work smart
I'll make your every mornings a great start
You cook and I'll go wash the dishes
I'll hug you from behind, and shower you with kisses

I am a good singer, I'll always serenade you
I am a good dancer, let's sway and dance tango
I am a poet, I'll dedicate poems for you
I am a dreamer, let's wake up our dreams for two

I'll let you indulge with wanderlust and see the world
I'll keep surprising you with small gifts tied with a ribbon
I'll keep my vow that there will be no one but you
I'll pledge with full loyalty that I'll always be true

I can list down more if you'd like to
But that'll be too many, so I'll stop with these few
These are my assets, things I'm good at
I'm introducing you to what I have and what I got

So, please carefully review my application
This won't be enough proof, I know
But as our relationship grows as lovers
You'll see I'm worth your forever

For character reference, here's my number
Let's go to dinner, I'll give you a call
Sincerely yours,
Your soon-to-be future

I whispered your name into the inner
twisting curl of a conch shell, hoping
an echo from saltier waves would carry
it through shadow-rimmed currents until it
flowed softly along the shore, like my breath
settling across your neck