Stallion Literature Portfolio 2021-2022

STALLION COLORS OF THE PANDEMIC

A STALLION LITERARY FOLIO

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COLORS OF THE PANDEMIC A Stallion Literary Folio SY 2021-2022

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CONTRIBUTORS Editorial Board:

Filipino:

Literature:

Design:

Editor-in-Chief: Amery Atinon Managing Editor: Aniceto Cajigal Associate Editor: Lance Dy Creative Director: Gabriel Yu Literature Editor: Andre Tan Filipino Editor: Ravi Tan Chinese Editor: Edric Dy Design Editor: Jorj Tadena Colin Chua Darren Co Ethan Dale Uy Herb Tan Jin Hwa Lee John Yalong Raphael Cruz Raphaelle Ramos Nathan Riley Sy Vito Palou

Chinese:

Marcus Dychengbeng William Kohcet-Chua Calvin Li Timothy Ong David Wangli 01

Shaun Lim Lorenzo Miguel Jared Lumanlan Charles Sombrito Dean Espinar Derrick Buhain Juancho Dela Costa Ethan Eufemio John Roxas Sky Angeles Keng Wei Lin Tyrone Serapio Justin Chua Gonzalo Cruz Anwar Qua Jantzen Ang Marcus Apetreaor Andreas Bautista Lance Sy Matthew Tang

FOREWORD Thank you for reading Stallion’s “Colors of the Pandemic.”

This Lit Folio was carefully prepared by members of the Stallion Literature, Filipino, and Chinese departments. The current pandemic has definitely caused a cornucopia of different emotions for anyone even remotely affected by it: some good, most negative.

It is good to contemplate on these emotions, especially in a time when only our closest companions can keep us company. In any event, Stallion remains dedicated to providing entertainment and information for Xavier School’s student body, faculty, and staff.

Amery Atinon, Stallion Editor-in-Chief SY 2021-2022 The pandemic has truly been a box full of emotions for every one of us. No matter who you are or where you come from, this crisis has definitely brought out a myriad of emotions inside of us. While these emotions may be overwhelming, it is best for our wellbeing to acknowledge that they exist within us. This is what our Literature Portfolio is about: the Colors of the Pandemic.

We tend to see our true emotions and colors during testing times.

Andre Joaquin Tan Stallion Literarature Editor SY 2021-2022

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NINGNING NG ROSAS SA DILIM Isinulat nina Juancho Dela Costa at Ethan Eufemio Iginuhit ni Gabbie Tadena Nasakop ang bayan ng kadiliman dahil sa ‘sang pandemya, ang lungkot at pagkabalisa ang nanaig.

Ngunit, sa kadilimang ito, isang kulay at maningning na liwanag ang yumakap sa akin.

Ang ilaw na yumayakap sa akin kapag nakararamdam ako ng lungkot, ang ilaw na nagpapagaling sa aking mga sugat.

Ang liwanag na magsisilbing kumpas, na gumagabay sa akin ngayon sa pag-asa.

Sa kabila ng mga paghihirap at kalungkutan, hindi kayo sumuko sa pagtulong sa akin.

Aking mapagsakripisyong nanay, at mapagkalingang ama, Salamat sa walang pasubaling pagmamahal! ?

Ang dilim na tila’y walang hanggan, kailan kaya makikita ang sinag ng liwanag?

Ngunit, mananatili pa rin ako sa pagkalinga ng rosas na ito, ang nagliliyab niyang magiliw at mapagmahal na ilaw.

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THE FAREWELL Written by Riley Sy | Art by Matthew Tang As Roy hung up party streamers all across the dining room, he remembered the time he first met Ate Marie when he was six years old. He didn’t like her at all; she never let him do anything fun.

So, he’d often sneak out of bed early & play with his toys just to annoy her. Other times, he’d draw on walls with bright-colored markers to achieve the same effect. Though as the years went by, he realized how much she loved him. She stuck with him time after time and he was going to miss her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and delicious cooking. He smiled to himself as he continued decorating, eagerly awaiting the celebration to begin.

Not so far away, the kitchen was in chaos and Tara was running out of time. She quickly retrieved the cake from the oven & squeezed icing all over it. As she smoothed over the icing, she was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions about Ate Marie’s impending departure. She understood that she needed to take care of her COVID-stricken parents but that didn’t make it easier. She became a sister she could rely on, constantly supporting Tara &

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giving her helpful and meaningful advice. She would never trade her time with Ate Marie for anything in the world. Tara applied some final touches & hurriedly changed.

The party began as they sat around eating cake. They reminisce about past memories & laughter roared all around them. Ate Marie was overjoyed and tears started to well up. Roy and Tara gratefully thanked her and they hugged a bittersweet goodbye.

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DREAM FOR THOUGHT Written by Ethan Dale Uy | Art by Gabbie Tadena It was like any other day. Woke up, attended class, and anticipated the inevitable bullying I’d have to face. As a high school student who is the same height as Danny DeVito, you just can’t avoid it; I went home with a black eye and cried myself to sleep.

Then suddenly, a bright light had appeared, taking me by surprise.

As I was regaining consciousness, I vividly remember being in a dark room and seeing a man I did not recognize. This man was about five foot three and wearing what seemed like sunglasses.

He was standing in front of me with one big light bulb shining from above. As he was silently walking towards me, I was just as confused and perplexed as you are. He knelt down and gave me a hug.

Amidst this situation, part of me was puzzled. Who is this man?

Why is he wearing sunglasses? Why am I in this dark sketchy room? But then, this other side of me was weirdly comforted. Safe and calm in the midst of this unusual situation. I could feel all my worries and insecurities slowly fade away. An unfamiliar yet muchneeded feeling of protection and safety. After some moments of silence, I plucked up the courage to ask this man who he was. He didn’t respond. Instead, he gave me a note in which it said; “Be the person you wish you had.”

And then, I woke up.

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YOUR SYMPHONIES

By John Yalung I hear your sweet symphony, so I sing along To the smooth hum of your silver flute.

It soothed my ears, listening to our song.

To be caught in our melody, no one dared refute.

A haunting symphony deafens my ears, As I hear the braying of some faulty strings.

What ever happened, to our song so clear, When I gave you my love, among other things?

Your symphony’s gone silent, what a relief.

Am I wrong for feeling some tensions resolved?

Part of me wants back our loving motif, But it’s not a duet if only one was involved.

So from our piece, I’ll flip the page To a new symphony, where I’m center stage.

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STORMY THOUGHTS

By John Yalung I smell the rain’s usual earthy scent While the trees outside sway and dance.

I’ve been caught in a state of discontent With this storm’s role in our dying romance.

It’s been a year dealing with heaven’s cries, And I’ve been deafened by the thunder’s roar.

The storm’s dark spell has me hypnotized I can’t even picture your face anymore.

Not a day passes when I don’t think of you But the storm’s sorcery has me trapped.

The thunder’s screams only grew As we deal with territory untapped.

But like the pine trees, dancing through the pain This, too, shall pass, and we’ll convene again.

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BUGHAW NA PANDEMYA Isinulat ni Jared Lumanlan | Iginuhit ni Sky Angeles Bughaw ang langit at karagatan, Ngunit bughaw rin ang kalungkutan.

‘Di lang sakit ang dala-dala Ng isang pandemyang puno ng luha.

Pagkamatay ng kaniyang ama, Hindi siya makapaniwala.

Wala man lang oras para magpaalam.

Huling sandali ni itay, ngunit wala siyang alam.

Dahil din sa mga patakaran, Pang araw-araw na pagkain at pera, naglaho.

Isa pang masamang epekto Mga pamilya’y pinaglayo.

Sa gitna ng madilim na gabi, Liwanag ay maisasauli.

Bagama’t puno ng damdamin ang kalungkutan, May katuwaan pa rin sa dulo ng lagusan.

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SEA Written by Raphael Cruz | Art by Keng Wei Lin Every now and then, I start to think of him --, Of the love that had filled my heart to the brim.

But now my soul is empty, for his heart turned cold.

So now I leave my tears to the sea forever ‘til I’m old.

Every now and then I start to think of her --, The beauty that made my vision blur.

But now I am empty, when I thought I was whole.

So I hope that she remembers me, and forgives my soul.

Why were you so ruthless?

Our love, now broken into pieces.

Why could you not see from my eyes, That we have both paid the price?

The sea is our friend, Because it never seems to end.

Giving us hope of something that did not last, Yet somehow it is best, to leave everything in the past.

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CEILING FAN

By Darren Co As the ceiling fan’s blades repetitively twirl, surrounding the room with cool air, I glimpse at five different people. Each person’s face is blurry, and I could not make out their facial expressions even if I tried my hardest, but I assumed that this was my family. A family that I never truly knew.

Living in my family’s household seemed so industrial and robotic, and though I knew that I “loved” them as they loved me, I could never say I liked them. When I recollect and align these fragments of old memories, it plays to me like a lost movie. Disconnected colorless scenes glued together by flimsy reasoning and its purpose ultimately absent. This family provided me with what I needed, and gave me the attention that so many people on this planet would desire endlessly for, and yet I was numb to it all.

At school, I found people with common interests with me, but I didn’t find my acquaintances even remotely as interesting as what we conversed about. It pained me to realize that these people thought I was their friend, and how horrible it was that I was unable to reciprocate the feeling. I walked the earth hollow and plastic, like a doll cursed with consciousness and without desire.

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“However, something is not right,” I thought to myself. It made no sense for me to stay alive for as long as I did if I had nothing to cling on to. And then suddenly, a wash of emotion and memory engulfed my mind, and it struck me like a bolt of lightning. I remembered an experience I had with a woman around five years my senior at a café by the school.

She sported a beret, sunglasses, a black dress, slip-on shoes and on her face was a scar over her cheek. The memory itself was crystal clear, more vivid than my present situation and clearer than I have ever been in my long and confused life.

Now, more than ever, I desire to be with her. And perhaps subconsciously throughout my being, this experience has fueled my will to live, which is why up until this very day I refuse to die.

However, I glanced up at the ceiling, and the fan has stopped moving. Afterwards, I looked around me and see that the once blurry-faced people have become clear as day, but were stuck in motion. I sighed and thought to myself, “Too late, I suppose,” as I rested for eternity.

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NEVER ENDING ISOLATION Written by Herb Tan | Art by Lance Sy I’m trapped in a cloud and I can’t come down.

I’m a spirit unable to find my freedom.

I’m a soul longing to roam.

I’m a prisoner of my own home.

It felt like centuries and millenniums ago, Since I experienced the life I used to know.

My family, my friends, the ones I love -They appear in my memories as I stare blankly above.

This isolation, It furthers my desolation.

It reminds me of my separation, From the ones I show my affection, Ultimately leading to depression.

Nevertheless, here I remain.

Within these four walls I’m meant to refrain From breaking out towards freedom and independence, Hoping that one day I find inner acceptance.

The never-ending struggle persists.

Sadly, this pandemic never ceases to exist.

I lay awake, and I hope and pray that someday I break free, From this incessant isolation I find myself to be.

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天冥 作者: William Kohchet-Chua |

战风中圣歌 爱情可护吗 抑是毁相忆 只深悲在心 生死无相隔 像海久广阔 对缘永成实 照片才遗忘

Art 19 by Andreas Bautista

THE MONSTER BEYOND THE SEA

By Colin Chua The first time I saw it A young creature, wiggling to the shore Its scales, sapphire The sun, reflecting like fire Only for a glimpse, I saw A crown curled like a cobra Crawling back to the abyss Its scales like tongues In the sounds of rest and relaxation Its hiss lingered…

As time passed, its body grew I swam to it, charmed by its splendor Shrieking eagerly for its adoring victim, picking its poison Before swallowing me whole Trapped in its body Ears ringing, Eyes blinded My panic rose My mind shallowed Into an empty shell, Drowning me No one could hear As it kept pouncing My unable body could only Wail As a silent victim Like many others 20

Into the abyss

GABAY NG KINABUKASAN Isinulat ni Shaun Jethro M. Lim | Iginuhit ni JT Roxas Sa gitna ng kasagsagan ng kadiliman, Ang gabi’y nakakabulag sa kaninuman.

Ang bawat kislap ng bituin sa kalawakan, Nagsisilbing ilaw sa madilim na daan.

Sa halip na matalisod sa kalyeng lubak, ‘Pag gabi ang paningin ay tila lumawak.

Ang buwan ay naroon para walang masindak, Sapagkat liliwanag ang buhay na wasak.

Sa pagsapit ng ilaw ng bukang liwayway, Tutuloy lahat sa kanilang paglalakbay.

At upang mapagtanto ang hamon ng buhay, Kakayanin ang hakbang tungo sa tagumpay.

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LAKBAY PATUNGO SA PAG-UNLAD ni Shaun Jethro M. Lim Batang nakatulala sa himpapawid Ang kaniyang lugar ay napakakitid Kung may kalayaan ay parang tinitipid Subalit ang mga ulap ay namamasid Magbukas na kayo ng mga bintana Sapagkat ang pagbabago’y nariyan na Huwag na kayong manatiling nakakulong Na para kayong duwag na mga pagong Mga alipin ng sariling damdamin Ang inyong mga lungkot ay huwag kimkimin Mga hamon lang ang kailangang harapin Lahat ng iyan ay dapat nang lutasin Huwag isipin na walang kinabukasan Tutungo pa tayo sa tuwid na daan Idilat na ang mga mata sa mundo Upang makamit ang ating pagbabago

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TRAILBLAZER Written by Ethan Dale Uy | Art by Matthew Tang Amidst a time of misery and sadness, Everyone needs something to cope with the madness, A beacon of hope to illuminate the sky, Shining bright and visible to every eye.

The air is filled thick with anxiety, As people began to grow in dubiety, I await the day this hero will come, To rescue us all from a dread so glum.

As time went on, I began to question, The destiny of this depression, The effects it would have on our nation, Will I ever see the day of liberation?

I can’t help but ask who is this guy, Standing among us, yet invisible to the eye, An unknown and hidden identity awaits, To charter the path and save our fates.

What this world needs at this point in time, Is a sense of hope ringing like a chime, Mankind can’t bear as they cry out and plead, Say, can you be the light people so desperately need?

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HOPE Written by Vito Palou | Art by Gabbie Tadena I used to think tomorrow looked so bleak You still do. You can’t change that.

I aim for good grades You are stressed I want to laugh with my friends again You are desperate Why are you so pessimistic?

Why are you so optimistic?

What can I do?

Pick up the kitchen knife Will that solve my problems?

All your problems will disappear But all my loved ones and friends will disappear Do it.

You cannot control me Why not?

I am happy and I find strength in hope What is hope?

It is what we have when everything seems lost.

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EMBERS IN THE DARK

By Vito Palou School is my kingdom and I am its proud ruler My subjects couldn’t help but admire my good looks and charisma They love it when I am around as I rule over this batch with my presence.

It was a golden age as you’d think.

Now, I seek solace in these dark times.

A darkness crept into my heart not long ago.

Reducing my flames of joy into embers of bygone memories Social media was not enough for me I plan to recreate the old days My friends and I will set out when the sun sets To drink away our dark thoughts Thrilled, my heart dances rapidly to the thought, Or so it may seem.

One of my companions lay bare and broken by this terrible foe He who does not leave his humble abode Yet, he is bedridden and barely alive as my own darkness grows Oh how I wished I would meet my end at the tip of a kitchen knife Rather than being laid low by this beast.

Ashes seek embers for our hearts to burn so fervently in dark times.

However, news has spread that a hero will come to our aid.

Other kingdoms begin to rejoice as the trailblazer approaches.

Perhaps he can set the stage for me and he could make my embers dance.

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I will not succumb to the darkness so easily.

I seek answers and I wait here whilst battling my own enemy.

I wait until this new hero can come to play a song For my flame to be rekindled once more.

PAGSABOG Isinulat ni Ravi Tan | Iginuhit ni Gonzalo Cruz Nagsimula ang pagsabog sa isang kulay Pula lang ang aking nakita Dahil sa inis, hirap, at pagod Kumulo ang aking dugo Bigla akong napuno, pumutok na parang bulkan Apoy, usok, at buhangin nag-umapaw Kasama ng tuloy-tuloy na pagbugso ng mga bato Tinamaan lahat ng mahahalaga sa puso ko Pagkatapos lumindol, nayanig ang aking mundo Bagama’t ang kulay pula’y kumupas Napalibutan ako ng mga pinsala Huli na para mabalik ang kasaysayan

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INFERNO Written by Raphael Cruz | Art by Keng Wei Lin I begin to feel the heat.

Envy, lust, sorrow I joyfully greet Hell breaks loose when I am angered.

In this inferno of mine, I bid farewell to “well-mannered.”

I ignore all kindness, and all happiness.

I slowly transform into something soulless.

Erase those who angered me by any means necessary, Every time they strike, I will make sure to parry.

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At last, the blood was spilt, For they tore down all that I had built.

But nothing changed within me, I’m still imprisoned, cold and unfree.

The tears and the screams will not change a thing.

I could not see the pain my actions could bring However, in the end, what’s lost is lost.

Indeed I am the victor but at what cost?

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BLACKED OUT Written by Colin Chua | Art By Gabbie Tadena What are we fighting for?

Remember, a man’s last breath Gave our fight life Not to reinforce stereotypes Of robbing in broad daylight What are we fighting for?

United through Blackout Profiles Everyone needs to know if you did it Not if you committed to it What are we fighting for?

“Kind thoughts and prayers to all #BLM” Yet they whisper dark slurs in the night Camouflage under their profiles, their astray thoughts kept hidden Toying with everyone as if it was their religion What are we fighting for?

For some the movement is just 3 letters Sending hate messages without a sender Exhausting the fame of a man’s exhaustion What are we fighting for?

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勉勉强强一首诗 作者: David Wangli

病病歪歪忍疫情 严严实实戴口罩 家家户户出门难 日日夜夜宅在家 时时刻刻流热汗 分分秒秒盯电脑 昏昏沉沉听网课 慌慌张张交作业 热热闹闹线上群 冷冷清清一个人

牢笼 作者: Marcus Dychengbeng

当看窗外时 怀念哥儿们 被迫锁在家 令人太沮丧

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OFFICIALS KAYO? Isinulat nina Dean Espinar at Derrick Buhain Iginuhit ni Lance Sy Unang araw ng kanyang pagkapangulo at halos malulunod na kami sa dagat ng kanyang pangako “Katarungan para sa bayan! Pagkakaisa para sa bayan!, Ipaglalaban ko ang pangangailangan ng mga tao, Handa akong pakinggan ang Mamamayan!”

Ngunit ngayon, ang mga pangako ay napako at mistulang naging panaginip.

Sabi mo na KAMI ANG UNA? Ngunit tila nabaliktad ata, dahil sarili mo ang iyong inuna bago ang bayan.

Inubos ko ang aking oras para sa pamilya, mas lalo’t dugo’t pawis aking inuuna Inabot sa pagbabanat ng buto para buwis ay mabayaran Buwis na para sa bayan, ngunit bakit tila inaangkin nyo na?

Mistulang kriminal dahil sa pagiging buwaya, Ngunit bakit hanggang ngayon kayo’y nakaluklok pa rin?

Patuloy ang pagsisinungaling para kami’y mabilog muli?

Isyu na inyong kinasasangkutan, mga buwis na aming binabayaran, Mga balang nasa amin’y tumatama , ito ba ang sukli ng aming paghihirap para sa bayan?

Mga problemang dala niyo ay nagdala ng pagdurusa sa ating bayan Mga opisyales na halimaw at puro gulo lang ang dinulot sa ating mamamayan.

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TREE

By Raphael Cruz | Art By Keng Wei Lin If there’s one thing I admire, it would be a tree So strong, mighty, fortunate and free To just stand there and watch the world with glee And coexist with nature with utmost harmony A tree seems like a simple thing But look closely, and see what it can bring For your own enjoyment it could support a swing Memories come alive when the birds on its branches sing But what I admire most about a tree Is the wonder of growth I see Even in death it does not cease to be The symbol of strength that lives in me.

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祸福相倚 作者: Edric Dy

疫情之前人像机器 衆人忙碌专注电脑 技术似人体一部分 手机取代人的心脏 病毒到来大家懵了 商场学校都关闭掉 突然人人被困家中 首次时间变得充裕 能与家人共度时光 新冠取消我们计划 但令你我成为人类 塞翁失马焉知非福

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DAFFODILS AND DAISIES

By Darren Co It was a hot summer’s noon in the middle of May, And we were inches apart under the golden sun.

I heard you whistle a sweet familiar tune.

Then I laid my gaze on you and knew you were the one.

But as time’s arrow expanded forth, Our love took on a different hue.

And the walls around us shrank, While the colors I fell in love with changed as we grew.

As I gaze at the pale moonlight, My eyes widen at the stars twinkling above.

And though my memories of you remain sublime, All I see are a pair of kids who didn’t know love.

Although you’re a pure soul as far as I can see, At the end of the day I remain a daffodil, and you remain a daisy.

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KULAY NG BUHAY Isinulat ni Charles Sombrito | Iginuhit ni Gabbie Tadena Minsan ang buhay ay magulo.

Sa ilang pagkakataon ay nakukulayan ng itim, asul, o kulay-abo.

Ngunit ang pag-asa’y hindi nawawala, kahit ang isa ay nagmumukhang napapariwara.

Panatag na loob, mapagdasal na damdamin, itinataguyod ang taos-pusong mga dalangin.

Ang dating poot ay unti-unting nawawala, muling napapalitan ng mga kulay na masigla.

Berde, kulay ng pera, swerte, at kapayapaan, ibinabandera rin ang mga pangyayaring nais kaligtaan.

Mga aral na natutunan sa mga karanasan, baon sa lakbay patungo sa kinabukasan.

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IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER SELF Written by Ethan Dale Uy | Art by Justin Chua X has its own problems which he wants to overcome. Things that obstruct it from reaching its goals and aspirations. Between it and a life of true contentment are obstacles that block its way. Some are in its control, but the majority are not.

It desperately wants to achieve its goals. So with that, it jumps right in. Not aware of what lies ahead, it ventures out into the unknown. X is met with a promising start, on track to one day achieve its aspirations. It could already imagine what its life would be like having done what its heart had truly desired. But then, along the way, X encountered the inevitable — an obstacle. Its first challenge, among many, designed to stop X from reaching its ultimate goal. From here on out, it was a game — one intended to test X’s perseverance, determination, and desire to reach its holy grail. Every level was a new obstacle that led to the final boss. X does not know this yet, so it tackles its first obstacle with its head held up high and an optimistic attitude. X goes on to face more and more obstacles, each one draining its optimism and hopes.

Eventually, the time came when it became exhausted of having to conquer what felt like countless setbacks. Despite that, it kept going, pushing through the troubles that tested its wit. But then came the final straw; it decided to tap out and flee from the life of never-ending hindrances.

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It took time off from chasing its dream. Some time to rest and escape the feeling of having to worry about the next thing it’ll have to face. However, during that time, it was able to reflect now that its focus was not on its goals. A question X would mainly spend hours pondering on was “What was the point of doing these things?” Moreover, what was the purpose of doing certain things such as getting 8 hours of sleep just to dedicate one’s life to chasing aspirations? Simply, X had a question it did not know the answer to.

It was that very question that encouraged it to continue.

To go back to the life of accomplishing its goals and facing obstructions. Curiosity got the best of X. Now, it had a reason to persevere, a purpose to push through. It felt like something had covered the void in its heart. With a newfound sense of purpose and a fresh slate of hope, the uphill climb continued. Slowly but surely, X had summited the mountain. It had accomplished its goals and aspirations. It was finally able to look back on its journey and appreciate the view.

But, with that being said, what’s next?

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KUNG MALAGPASAN ANG MGA HAHARAPIN Isinulat ni Shaun Jethro Lim | Iginuhit ni Gabbie Tadenda Habang ang pangarap ay patuloy na lumalago Tila ang mga pabigat ay hindi mabitawan Ang ating mga kahinaan kung naunawaan Ay magsisilbing magtataguyod sa pagbabago Kung gaano man katapang ang pagsikat ng araw O kung tila walang hanggan ang pagbuhos ng ulan Tayo’y magsikap na yakapin ang kinabukasan Upang ang ating pagsulong ay maaaring matanaw Kung mananatili nalang tayo sa nakaraan Ano pang mga layunin ang ating mararatnan Mga hamon ng kasalukuyan gawing kalamangan Upang tayo ay yumabong hanggang sa katapusan

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QUARANTINE Written by Darren Co | Art by Sky Angeles He looked outside his grime-stained window at a portal to a world beyond reach.

A world gone quiet, but the silence was blaring.

Cool jazz seeped through the complex, while the aroma of coffee circulated through.

He poured and he swallowed, as the bitter drink emboldened his senses.

To the left he saw a field.

Once graced with child-like enthusiasm, now completely empty.

While the blades of grass danced alone.

To the right was a building.

An urban monument sanctifying grief, a ghastly location where misery thrived.

Reduced to a lifeless block of cement.

Golden rays of sunlight entered the room, while the caffeinated man hummed to himself.

He looked upon the empty scene before him, a frozen landscape forgotten by time itself, and wondered when the frost would melt away.

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CRICKETS

By Andre Tan As my back presses against the chair, I sit and think, why is life so unfair?

It is as if it has no regard, No matter who you are, it’ll be hard.

I try to lounge in the “comforts” of my home.

Attempting to stay positive, but I feel so alone.

Isolation has taken a toll on my head, No one to turn to, except my bed.

What will it take to see my family again?

When was the last time? I think it was way back then.

When will I see my cheerful, supportive friends?

As I try to predict, well uhh, it really depends.

My head is spinning, I’m losing my sanity, I’ve been distant with those I love, is this reality?

So as I lay on my bed, I start to hear the crickets,

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GROWING OLD Written by Herb Tan | Art by Justin Chua It’s almost as if I bear the weight of a thousand boulders A million thoughts rest on my shoulders…

I remember Like it was just yesterday We’d go back to your house Playing video games, we had nothing figured out And when the sun came up, we’d laugh and cheer For the shared experiences that brought us here I wouldn’t trade one day of perfection For any one of those brash, stupid decisions But time is running out We’re being made to shift our gears Our time together is coming apart I can’t take the speed we’re moving in I’m afraid of growing up, of being alone I’m afraid of missing out, of being unknown I’m afraid of committing to doing what I’m told I’m afraid of drifting away, moving on With my youth caving in It seems so scary, Growing old

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Sometimes I find myself reflecting on my existence Out on the horizon, I see myself from a distance And it feels like my innocence has died And I can’t get it back inside And when I think about the future What lies ahead with all that it holds I cower and cover in fear Leaving a trail of never-ending tears I want them back The nights we had And all the mistakes we should’ve made It feels so cold And I’ve never felt so alone It’s driving me crazy, Growing old

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OVER THE HORIZON Poem by Jin Hwa Lee | Art by Jin Hwa Lee I ran I ran, I ran and I ran I ran not knowing why I ran because that is all I know how to do Creeping against my shoulders is a shadow A shadow of plague of knowing of despair I know a plague One caused by knowing One that caused despair One caused because we stopped running There is a place I have heard of A place I can go to ease my burden A place I can go to rest my soul But I can only go there when I close the curtains Dazzling colours burst, As a symphony of flowers waltzes across the open sky and basking dawn breaks over the horizon But the semblance of the sun masks the dark of the shadow it casts

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It blinds me from what I know from what I see But it’s of uncertainty rather than hope but a blind monsoon is better than leaving a spot of bother the bittersweet ecstasy of ignorance and inevitability I freeze I freeze I freeze and I freeze I freeze because maybe, just maybe I could enjoy the view and just maybe, I could leave a small shadow to take in a diverse hue

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PAANO NA? ni Lorenzo Miguel Paano na ang ating kapakanan?

Ginawa na tayong basura at pinabayaan.

Binalewala ang ating karangalan Na para na tayong nakalimutan.

Paano na ang ating kinabukasan?

Eh, mas lalo’t wala na tayong makakapitan.

Paano na ang ating mga anak, ang kanilang adhika?

Munti na lang bang mawawasak, makakalimutan at mapupunta sa wala?

Paano na nga ba ang lahat?

Ang kabuhayan at kalusugan ay hindi naging sapat.

Kailangan natin ng lunas at ng ilaw laban sa kadiliman ng panahon, At bilang Pilipinong malakas at matatag, muli tayong babangon.

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无形 作者: Riley Ong

另一天 我看着窗外 街道空空荡荡 但是房屋都满了 新的敌人出现了 听不到他的声音 看不见他 他到处游荡 他引起恐惧 和恐慌蔓延 我们把自己锁起来 为了不被感染 多长时间 我们是否应该害怕 这个看不见的敌人 称为新冠肺炎 Art by Tyrone Serapio

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