my lolo is not the same anymore
when I hold him he is frail

his skin is not the same brown it once was
his hair silver, bones brittle
memory clouded

he has given me different masks to wear
some days I am a co-worker in his office
a student from his highschool
some stranger who lives in his house

only sometimes am I referred to as "apo"

I help him find his way to his bed
often as days go by
the clock's grip on him slightly tightens

when he finally finds his way
to his side of the bed

he asks
"nandiyan na ba sila?"