My final night standing on the rooftop,
looking out over the city of Manila.
Clouds hanging heavy overhead,
streets wet from a late night rain.

Knowing this is my last night
with the beautiful people
I have met on my journey,
a sadness descends over me.

Reflections of my journey
fill my mind as I sleep.

Then as the dawn comes,
I awaken to sunrise for
the last time with
the Philippine Sea in the distance.

A new day for millions of people,
struggling to make a meager existence,
often from the trash around them,
hoping for just one meal for their family.

You give a few pesos hoping
to help a few, but knowing
the struggle will continue,
but with a happiness that escapes most of my world.

So as my final day has arrived,
heading to a jet plane,
I will never forget the
friends I have made.

The smiles I have seen,
happy people who have faith,
to take on another day,
with hope, that their day will come.

I will leave a little piece
of my heart, mind, and soul,
with the beautiful people,
that have touched me deeply.

So now I do not say goodbye, but until we meet again my friends.

Peering into the night
of Naval, Biliran.
I am reminded of time
gone past that wants
to draw me near.

Streets are dark
lacking substance,
along with any human touch.
Yet it draws me into thoughts
of yesteryear, places
frequented in my life

A simpler time,
with no cell phone.
A wave to the neighbor,
and good morning all.
Times do change
for better or worse.

So I savor my time
to be at peace with the world.
As I step back to reflect
on past time in life.
A simple life is where happiness is found.*

© 2016 Willard Wells

Drawn to you like a moth
to a flame by your beauty.
I must take leave before
the heat of the moment
overtakes the future,
clouding my judgment.

Your beauty can carry you far
but your mind is the solution
to change your future.
Bringing you to a brighter place,
with a future not found
within the confines of this place.