MOMEMTS OF DYING, MOMENTS OF RISING…

We all experience moments of dying in our lives.
We get a foretaste of death…
when we live in bitterness, when prejudice blinds us,
when loneliness enfolds us, when fear oppress us,
when sadness overwhelms us, and when we give in to despair.
In those moments the world is closing in on us and we have one foot in the grave already.



But we also experience moments of resurrection in our lives…
when we know true love, when we are accepted,
when we are forgiven, when we open our hearts to our neighbors, and when hope returns.
In those moments our horizon is widening and we are emerging from the tomb.

- An Easter reflection by Fr. Troy de los Santos, OFM

HOLY IN THE CITY

I was born, raised and lived in the city. I am what they call a ‘true-blue’ Manileño, someone who is indigenous to the capital city of the Philippines. Although I could trace my roots from various provinces, I neither speak any dialect other than Tagalog nor have experienced life anywhere there. My grandparents from both side of the family are from Manila. In fact, my ancestral home is still here. Hence, my cultural identity is established here in the city.

We Manileños maybe indigenous to the city but we do share this city with other dwellers who may have migrated from other places or to temporarily reside here such as transient workers and students. Regardless of our roots, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, we make our living here. We move about in a constant rush as if time is always running-out on us.

Here in the city we are used to the hustle and bustle. We struggle to manage the stresses and adapt to the fast-paced lifestyle. Yet the crowding and noise still do get to our nerves, we oftentimes just ignore and learn to live with it on a daily basis. But during Semana Santa the city takes a break from the daily grind and noisy confusions of life.

Semana Santa or Holy Week is the annual commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. As the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, it is noteworthy that significant holidays here are ‘holydays’ as it is religious in nature. As were during the Christmas Season and All Saints Day (secularly celebrated as Halloween), longer vacations are being declared during the Holy Week. This is to give ample time for those going to their respective hometowns to be with their family or be gone to some place away from the city for that much needed break.

Thus, life practically stops in the capital city Manila. Or at least in areas that are usually bustling with activity the rest of the year. While the hustle and bustle are diverted to other places in the country, the city is left to rest from the daily chores. It takes its time to recuperate from the wear and tear of everyday grind. In fact, essential maintenance works are being conducted on facilities and infrastructures within city limits. As the population disperses away from here, commercial and business establishments are closed as well as entertainment venues to blend in with the solemn (if not somber) ambiance prevailing during this time.

As our fellow citizen has gone home or has taken their vacation away from the city, us Manileños are left on our own. This is however a welcome break for us, too. There is nothing like this city on Holy Week. Try driving during this time and experience the ease as the main thorough ways are devoid of the usual traffic. Although parking spaces are scarce in crowded churches, most opt not to bring vehicles and instead walk the distance as a way of self-sacrifice in keeping with the theme of the occasion.

The standstill in the city however excludes the happenings in the churches within it. As mentioned, churches are crowded during this time. Maybe not as grandiose as the celebrations in the provinces, the religious activities in the city are not stark or lacking in pomp and pageantry. Just visit any local parish nearby and you will be at awe at the preparation of the parishioners.

Even in the city, Holy Week is being observed with much solemnity. Starting with Palm Sunday when it commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, people carries palm branches or ornately weaved coco palms (which is more indigenous to our country) amidst the hymn of “Hosanna, to the Son of David!”

On Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, some families or the neighborhood organizes a public chanting of the Pasyong Mahal Ni Hesus, a local adaptation of the story of Christ written in poetic verses, as a way of panata or vow of tribute to God. Unlike in the provinces, here in Manila, the chanting of this aged literary tradition had taken a more modern rhythm and sound in recent years credited to the much younger generation of chanters. Likewise, some amateur or professional theater groups, mostly from the youth sector, stage a Cenakulo which is a dramatization of the passion of Christ. Various observances such as praying and reflecting on the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross are done individually, together or communally.

Penitents are common sight in the provinces yet uncommon here in the city. Yet a few of them can be seen in the city streets during the Holy Week. With covered faces, bare-footed with bloodied backs and chest from their own lashing, these flagellants walk in public demonstration of remorse. Others carry wooden crosses in imitation of Christ. Despite the church’s disapproval of this violent act as atonement for sins, this has become a folk ritual among men (some women, even) believing this as an effective way to cleanse one’s conscience.

In the city during this week, spiritual recollections or retreats are commonly held for those wanting to have a more spiritual experience. These gatherings are the modern-day Lenten practices common in the urban areas. Even some of the non-Catholic denominations have their own church activities that are somehow in keeping with the Lenten theme. They hold special bible study and worship hours that focuses on Christ’s suffering and resurrection. Other Christian communities invite the faithful for a film-showing about the life and times of Christ or gather for the Easter worship.

On Maundy Thursday morning, an exclusive mass is held at the local Cathedral by priests and bishops called the Chrism Mass wherein the oils use for the sacraments are consecrated. In the afternoon, the Mass in celebration of Jesus’ last supper with His apostles is held. After which the Visita Iglesia starts, wherein the faithful keeps vigil throughout the night by visiting several churches while in prayer and reflection on the agony of Christ’s last hours.

On Good Friday, the church commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross. The faithful gather to listen to the reflections on the Seven Last Words that the dying Christ uttered on the cross. The readings and reflections start at high noon until three o’clock in the afternoon to coincide with the three hours that Christ suffered while hanging on the cross. This is done in many churches or in certain venues that can accommodate the public. However, local TV and radio networks do broadcast these events as part of their Lenten programming so that families in their homes can listen to the lessons from scriptures, the reflections and join in the prayers. Indeed, the city’s technical amenities extend to give spiritual ease. Later, the faithful gathers to worship in churches for the veneration of the Holy Cross.

In most churches, a procession is held to reenact the burial of Christ. Simulated to look and feel like a real funeral march an image of the Santo Sepulcro or dead Christ is carried accompanied by the image of the Virgin Mary dressed in mourning garments as Mater Dolorosa or Mother of Sorrows. Effigies of the biblical characters present at the death of Christ are included such as St. John the Beloved Apostle and St. Mary Magdalene. Maybe not as elaborate as those held in the provinces, these processions are likewise an awesome sight as they pass through the city streets.

In some churches, another procession begins after the supposed interment of Christ. This is called La Soledad. Bearing another image of the Virgin Mary, this time as Our Lady of the Solitude, still dressed in mourning but her image alone is carried in this procession. Only few churches here in Manila hold this procession as it seems to be a ritual redundancy as the previous procession already included the Virgin Mary. Moreover, the extra time and distance of walk may not be practical for the faithful. However, some of them don’t mind the extra distance to walk further as a penitential devotion.

On Black Saturday, most churches are closed and no religious activity until the evening. If not, people can still come in to make their private devotions or be alone in prayer and meditation. The general atmosphere is quite but with silent excitement in anticipation of the Easter vigil by evening.

There can never be as solemn as the Easter Vigil. As the faithful gather at the church courtyard, a bonfire is blessed and from it the Paschal candle is lit to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. This candle is carried slowly in procession inside the darkened church as the faithful follows. From this single flame, the other candles held by the people are lighted until the dark church is illumined by tongues of fire. It is an exhilarating sight to behold. Until finally, all the lights inside are put on while the church bells peal in tidings of Christ’s resurrection amidst the singing of the Alleluia.

On Easter Sunday morning, the ‘Salubong’ is held. It is a re-enactment of the supposed encounter of the risen Christ with his mother, the Virgin Mary. However, this is more folkloric than liturgical since this is without Gospel basis. Thus, this is not part of the Church’s liturgical celebration. Yet, it is a most fitting presentation in culmination to the drama of Holy Week.

Holy Week rituals and traditions here in the city are the same as those in the rest of the country. The difference lies with the fact that less of the population are here to observe it. The peace and quite helps create a more conducive atmosphere for prayer and meditation. I observed that even in crowded churches, city dwellers come and spend time not minding the little inconveniences such as the heat of summer. Some manage to be more patient with petty annoyances such as waiting in line or looking for parking space. Perhaps the prayerful atmosphere that pervades the city during this time makes for a kinder attitude towards one another.

Incidentally, crime in the city is lowest or none at all during the holy days, particularly on Good Friday. Afterall, criminals have conscience too! Or many of them do fear God. Either way, the streets of our city is safe yet we can’t be too careful. We still have to be cautious even when going to church and making our Lenten observance.

During this time, amidst the seemingly ‘Godless’ reputation of the city, it somewhat shows that God still reigns. Despite the greater secularism and commercialism that characterize the city, our cultural and spiritual wealth is evident in the Holy Week observance as it is in the provinces.

I remember as a child, I get a bit envious of my peers when they tell each other where they are going to spend their Holy Week, which is actually the end of the scholastic year and start of the summer vacation here in the Philippines. Some of them have hometowns outside Manila such as Bulacan and Cavite while others as far away as Bicol, the Visayas or Mindanao. Those who can afford takes leisure break at resorts or beaches in the provinces or even go abroad. Others go for less expensive excursions such as camping, hiking and picnic in places outside the city. It’s been like that ever since I can remember. Even today, I and the rest of my family were never part of the massive exodus of the population going away from the city during this time. I yet to experience Lent somewhere other than here.

You see, I was raised in a family tradition that stays at home during Holy Week. It was a no-no for us to spend time away from home particularly to enjoy in a leisure resort or have fun at the beach. We have nothing against those who do so during this week. Perhaps, as young as I was, my superficial perception was that it was disrespectful to God when one has to enjoy while we should be commemorating the suffering of Christ. Later, as I realized the greater significance and meaning of Lent, I accepted that it doesn’t matter where you are during Holy Week but how you are one in the spirit of the occasion.

Before, I am at awe at the Lenten practices in the provinces for their extravagant display of devotion and piety. I still am at that. Yet I now appreciate the more subtle ways of observing the Holy Week here in the city. The chance to be still and make a spiritual assessment is as valuable as how we do the practices of faith.

So, wherever we are during the Holy Week, we should take time to stop and ponder the significance of this occasion. Anyplace we are, we should allow time, no matter how brief, to pray, reflect and contemplate the spiritual journey we take in our own life. It is also the best opportunity to be with our family and those dear to us; share moments with friends and express our kindness to anyone who needs. Truly, God’s love and mercy is manifested through each of us. This is what our Lenten celebration is about: to live in a loving relationship with God and our fellowmen.

Have a blessed and happy Easter!

THE RISE AND FALL OF WOMAN

In celebration of International Women’s Month
March 2010

Just as singer/actress Barbara Streisand said, “The time has arrived”, we instantly knew it was Katheryn Bigelow who won the best director in this year’s OSCAR Award. It was even before the actual moment she called the nominee’s name. Bigelow is the lone woman nominee in the Best Director category and the first to win in the 82-year history of this most prestigious award-giving body, the American Academy for Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences. This is a fitting salute to women as March is International Women’s Month. Hence, the whole month of March is filled with activities related to women’s issues and celebration of everything feminine.

Truly, women has come a long-way in our modern era. The prominence of women in every human endeavor is a testament that the feminine force is vital in shaping our civilization. However, I yet to fully understand why such issues as gender equality, human rights and liberty are to be addressed by the women’s civil right movements. I perhaps, living in a society with much regard to women, can not comprehend these problems that should not be an issue in the first place. I am not saying that the Pinays (Filipino women) don’t face the dilemma of inequality and liberation. Surely, they as a sector face the same problems with women the world over. Yet, I am thankful that in our society women are treated more fairly than in nations that are characterized by cultural restrictions of women and adheres to religious traditions that deemed the feminine gender inferior.

It is unfortunate that during the course of time, humankind (or at least the males) had transgressed from what has nature has preordained us to be: that either gender is equal and should co-exist. It is a basic biological truth that the genders are essential to the perpetuation of the species. The human race would not have survived to this day if it wasn’t so. If this is so, why do women has to assert their selves? There is not a single answer to this question. The complexity of this issue has been subject to scrutiny from anthropologist, social scientists, to the humanities. However, the result of these studies becomes irrelevant to resolve the issues of equanimity between the sexes since political power are held mostly by men.

Conversely, the men are not to be solely blamed for the inequality. Women themselves are partly responsible for this gender bigotry. Certain women’s rights movers pursue gender causes to serve their own personal agenda. These women are not better than the “male chauvinistic pigs” and misogynists they rant against. Some women use political seduction to entice powerful men to gain power for themselves to serve their vanity. Others seemingly fighting for social justice yet in truth are just conspirators to the greed of men they serve.

Women are indeed conspirators of men, in good or in bad. The rise and fall of great empires in the ancient world cannot exclusively be attributed to men alone. Think about Queen Nefertiti of ancient Egypt or Cleopatra who later played a major role in the fall of the Roman Empire because of her liaison with Julius Caesar.

The rise and fall of women can also be found in great literary work, mythology, ancient lore and legends. Greek mythology, at most, depict women as tragic characters such as Clytemnestra; while their beauty was the cause of bloody war and siege such that of Helen of Troy. The goddesses (and gods) of Mt. Olympus are depicted to have vulnerable personality as mortal beings. In English literature, the infidelity of Queen Guinevere ruined the friendship between King Arthur and Sir Lancelot that caused the dissolution of the Knights of the Round Table. Some legendary women such as Lady Godiva suggest inner strength that exudes the delicate beauty of their exterior. It is certain that in every nation’s art and culture you would find the feminine character figure prominently either as agents of creation or instruments of destruction.

In the realms of mysticism and religion, women figures distinctly from one belief to the other. In the esoteric religion, women are commonly regarded as of earth, thus the term “Mother Nature”. To this effect, we are born of earth and someday will return to it; where we rise, there shall we fall.

The varying perspective about the feminine role in every religion dictates the particular attitude of believers towards women. In the ancient Hebrew writings of the Talmud, for instance, states that “a birth of a baby boy is a cause for universal joy, while the birth of a baby girl causes universal sorrow” suggests an unfavorable attitude towards the feminine gender. Although women are regarded highly in the Koran, restrictions on women still prevail in some strictly Islamic culture. Perhaps, the interpretation of sacred writings and divine texts are misinterpreted or are intentionally distorted to suit the particular interest of certain institution or agency.

“And God created woman”, states the Book of Genesis. “Man and woman, He created them.” Hence, both man and woman labored to establish the foundations of humankind. Then, both suffered the consequences of their disobedience. Along the history of our salvation, women figured greatly as heroes of their people such as Judith and Esther. Some are hailed by their virtue as Naomi and Ruth; and the prophetess Anna; others by their courage and strength of character as the sisters Mary and Martha. On the other hand, there are those who became instruments of deceit, blind ambition, death and destruction such as Bathsheba, Delilah and Salome.

Ultimately, the salvation of our race was won by the God-Man Jesus, born of a woman named Mary of Nazareth who conspired with God’s plan. Later, the Apostles were strengthened by faithful women in establishing the Church. Throughout the ages, the role of women in Christianity became more prominent as many are recognized for their valiant defense of the faith that they were elevated to the altars of the Church. Some lived an inspiringly virtuous life that they were regarded as saints by the Catholic Church. Nowadays, there are women pastors in Evangelical Churches and in other denomination women are even ordained as priests.

Women from every era had made their mark as leaders. For instance, the two distinct eras of glory in the history of the British Empire, the Elizabethan and Victorian, are named so to the queens of its respective eras. Other women matched the bravery of men and led armies such as Joan of Arc, the maid of Orleans, and the Filipina hero Gabriela Silang.

In recent years, the greater participation of women in governance has brought them to the presidency or elected as prime ministers such as Golda Meir of Israel and Margareth Thatcher of the U.K. In fact, within a generation, the Philippines had two women presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. There are more of them in the legislature and they are increasing in number in the judiciary. Yes even the military institution, the ultimate bastion of masculine dominance, is now infiltrated by women.

Unlike their grandmothers before them, women of today are access to education. Thus, many are in the academe as educators or administrators. Better education gave them more opportunities in whatever endeavor or career they opt to pursue. Today, there are more women who are visionaries, founders and prime movers of change. There are now businesswomen, CEOs and technocrats. Many more are authorities in whatever field of expertise. Undoubtedly, the rise of women in society had paved the way for greater progress and development not only for women but for all.

But amidst these opportunities and advancement in status, some aspects of womanhood are being compromised such as being better spouses or mothers. As women enjoy the fruits of success and as “bread-winners” themselves, there is a possibility for them to loose touch with their nurturing nature. Not that having her own career or working to augment the family income such a bad thing. However, it may take its toll on the formation of family values. Yet they have jobs and careers, the burden of keeping the home and rearing the offsprings remains in the cradling arms of womanhood. Without disregard to the role of fathers, motherhood is simply irreplaceable. Thus, the fall of women in this respect is the flipside of the issue of women’s rights.

In an impoverished nation, it is quite necessary for the women to work and earn more even at the expense of going abroad and be away from their family. In recent years, there is a marked increase in the number of Pinay Overseas Contract Workers (OCW) in our country. Today, it is almost equal the number of male OCWs. Most of them work abroad as nurses, teachers, domestic helpers, care givers and nannies. Unfortunately, there are those who were victims of human traffickers to end up as illegal migrants without work security and protection. Some have gone underground to work for organized crime such as those involved in illegal drugs, gambling and prostitution.

While they tend and serve others abroad, their own families are deprived of their personal care. Their husbands, on the other hand, are commonly underemployed or jobless thus they take on the place of their wives and become “house husbands”. There are perhaps as many reasons for being “house husband” as the men who are. If any of them do mind being labeled as “under de saya” (figuratively mean ‘under the skirt’) or a ‘hen-pecked’, they would better suffer quietly or learn to numb their masculine sense. There are those who are almost emasculated yet find no other choice to assert the vestiges of their masculinity. But we wonder why these men would allow the reversal of roles? Is this a victory for gender equality or a backlash from the strategy employed by women’s causes? I don’t have the answer to that. However, I could say that these men who relinquishes the reigns of authority to any woman will only do so to benefit their personal interest even at the expense of their own ego. We had heard of the stories common to this situation. Chances are their kids will be with grandparents, in-laws or whoever relative disposed to care for them while “house husband” enjoys all the free-time. Call them irresponsible, sloth or worthless slobs, oftentimes they would not give-up a ‘happy-go-lucky’ lifestyle while their woman toils for them; worst squander the hard-earned salary of poor wife. Think about it. Is this equality? Is this liberty or a deeper subservience to men?

Whether it is the rise or fall of womanhood, either way, reflects how the genders regard each other. And its social impact affects both. There is a saying that, “in every man’s success there is a woman”. Yet the fall of every great man may be caused by women by their side. In whichever case, we regard the significance of women in our existence. Their role is relevant in our society than any man will ever admit. Each woman’s achievement contributes to national progress; every fruit of service benefits their family and respective communities; and every success inspires other women to accomplish works they otherwise thought was impossible because they think of themselves as “just women”. On the contrary, every problem, sufferings and mishaps of women does affect those around them.

Men need women, surely. But that need should not be for sexual or servile purposes alone. Men have to fully learn to accept women as equal, maybe not in terms of physical strength (yet even that is debatable), but in dignity. Today, men from various cultures are coming to terms with the presence of powerful women. Societies are moving towards sharing power between the sexes. In these regard, women’s empowerment will not be effective, if not destructive, if it is used against the men. Rather it is to be integrated with the powers already held by men to be used for the good of all.

NAKED EYES

Smoldering amidst the darkness,
emotion flows in stark,
the eyes that sees the truth
reveals one feels within.

Looking through the eyes of passion
you could see the expression;
burning rage of satisfaction,
hungry for completion.

Those who fear the dark
are likely to retract,
emotions they reveal
in their eyes cannot conceal.

The reflections in our eyes
will give away the lies.
The journey through our sights
will always lead to light.

LUCK AND LOVE

This year, Valentines’ Day and the Chinese Lunar New Year are being celebrated on the same day. While Valentines’ day is fixed to February 14, the Chinese Lunar New Year is movable depending on what date the second new moon of the year falls on the western calendar.

These two annual festivities are not as well celebrated here in the Philippines as Christmas and New Year; Lent and Easter; All Saints and Souls Day. Their recent popularity however is rising because of the mass media which dictates trends and lifestyle. The mass appeal of these festivities can be seen in the economic activities related to such events. Afterall, every celebration is impossible without spending time and resources.

There is no argument about the reason for such celebrations. Just imagine how drab and meaningless life without us marking the passing of time as we relate them to every event of human existence. The romanticism of Valentines inspires us to love and be loved in return. Although this feast carries the message of love, it is focused only to the aspect of romantic love (e.g. eroticism) and not the kind of love that encompasses physical and emotional barriers. Meanwhile, the Chinese Lunar New Year is a celebration that is marked by rituals to usher in luck and prosperity. Because of the success of the Chinese immigrants and Filipino of Chinese heritage in the business world, this festivity became very popular to Filipinos who wanted more than anything else but to attract wealth. Living in a country like ours can be truly difficult because of the lack of opportunity that many will turn to believing in luck just to get ahead in life.

However the festivities become almost trivial because it was masked by too much commercialism. It has evolved as an opportunity for the more enterprising among us to profit from. There is nothing immoral about wanting profit. It is the purpose of every business to earn. The issue is whether it is worth our money to spend on things that are non-essential especially if we constantly live on insufficiency.

Surely, we all wanted to attract more money and get the most from our intimate relationships. These are the bottomline why we have Valentines and Chinese New Year celebrations. Yet, even if we just drown ourselves in the excessive celebration or do the required rituals at the expense of practicality, there is no guarantee that luck or love will come our way.

Indeed, the best expense of our time and resources are worth only to those that are guaranteed to last. The fleeting moments of romance can be good to spice a relationship but true love thrives not from these. The ritualistic prayers, superstitious beliefs and luck paraphernalia to gain wealth and prosperity are worthless without knowledge, hardwork and determination.

Valentines Day and the Chinese Lunar New Year are happy occasions that remind us of how endless are the possibilities in life. As long as we spend wisely our time and resources we shall be prosperous. If we live sensibly enough, we don’t need luck to follow us. Whenever love-relationship is elusive or difficult, you can always bring out the best in yourself and soon you’ll find that love will naturally gravitate towards you.

Have a fun-filled Valentines’ day and a prosperous Year of the Tiger!

LIFE IS FUNNY

Life could be severe yet it is too short to be taken seriously. Oftentimes, we are overwhelmed by grief, despair and rage as a result of the daily stresses we experience. And stress can be detrimental to psychological well-being and, eventually to physical health. The popular adage says that “Laughter is the best medicine”. Indeed, the power of humor can not be underestimated.

The following anecdotes are from personal recollection. These are the thoughts that made me laugh even during hard times. Are you stressed-out? Read aloud and laugh hard. It works!

CHEAPSKATE DAD

This is sort of a ‘memorial’ anecdote to my late father. This happened to him in the late 70’s. We were laughing hard when he first told this over dinner the day it happened.

After my father’s car air-conditioning system broke down, he got used to driving with the windows open. One day, as he stopped for a red light, a beggar approached him. He handed the poor man 25 centavos. The beggar, in his dismay, started to grumble for the measly amount my father gave him. As the lights turned green, he just shouted after my father, “Loser!”

ELECTRICAL SHOCK

I was personally witnessed to this anecdote when it happened at my aunt’s house during the early 80’s. Even now, my aunt and I still laugh at this recollection.

Seeing the electric fan had gathered dust in the living room, my aunt ordered her maid to have it cleaned. She left her maid to do the chore until she came back to check her out. To her horror, the maid was indeed cleaning the electric fan soaked in a tub of soap and water!

A SHAMEFUL SILENCE

The aggressiveness of youth can be inspiring, intimidating and sometimes, embarrassing as in the case of what happened to my classmate during our college years. This anecdote happened the semester after my classmate took a workshop on sign language the previous summer. It was so embarrassing that he made me promise not to tell anyone. Keeping my promise, I am sharing this withholding his identity.

On board a bus to the university, my classmate sat between a man and a woman. After a while, the man suddenly tapped his forearm. He turned to the man who without a word, only with a gesture, wanted to know the time. My classmate then turned his wristwatch towards the man. After a glance, the man nodded with a smile as a gesture of thanks. They both settled quietly back to their own privacy until my classmate had the interest to converse with the man. Since he just finished a basic course on sign language the summer before that semester, this is his opportunity to try his new skill. There was a startled look at the man’s face as he started signing with his hands. The man in panic suddenly turned to the woman on the other side of my classmate. While shaking his head, the man uttered in the most audible voice, “Excuse me ma’m, but this deaf-mute young man seems to need some help. Could you help me know what he wants?”

SAME DAY

Another day
in the same apartment
The kitchen sink
with dirty dishes
A laundry basket
filled with filthy clothes

I sit. I stand. I groan.
The ache throbbing
in my head
My cat purrs over
my sweaty socks
Wriggling my pajamas
on my legs

I pour the coffee
boiled on the pot
On a cheap mug
a gift years ago

I sip and taste
The bitter sweet potion
To perk me up
For the day’s routine