I DON’T know if I have shared this brave, sad poem before, but this is prompted by Facebook memory from five years ago:
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COPING
by Peter Solis Nery
He is coping the best he can
This man I know who was always so brave
So strong, so capable, and independent
Pardon his unshaven face
His languidness and indolence
His sudden outbursts of tears
Because it doesn’t get easier
Especially on this, his first winter
He sees the other pillow on the bed
And a knife skewers his heart
He cries, and wails, and covers his mouth
With the pillow, but he copes
He is coping as best he can
So he missed a discount at the store
Paid much more for the car’s oil change
But at least he gets some things done
He grasps the box of cereals at the grocery
And puts it right back on the shelf
Nobody eats cereals at home anymore
He cooks dinner, and sets the table for two
But he doesn’t eat the way he does—with gusto
He nibbles, he eats and he copes
He is coping as best he can
Because this man is brave, and strong
And capable.
*
I reposted it online because I really felt it is a powerful poem.
But back to our regular programming:
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If you can’t help but compare your life with others, compare it with the poor and unfortunate, not with the rich and famous.
Then, maybe you will learn to be truly grateful, and less selfish.
E, ano ngayon kung hindi ako nagpapaderma?
Natural ang mukha ko, at sa totoo lang, mas marami naman ang bobo sa mundo.
Imbes na ipaderma, iabuloy ko na lang.
*
I let people shine (their own light).
I also want to shine (my own light).
I want the world to be full of many shiny (and shining) lights.
*
My goal is to make people happy.
If someone makes me happy, my goal is to make them even happier.
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Do not wait until terminal illness like cancer forces you to seize the day.
Live extraordinarily today, and everyday of your life.
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There is a joy in instant gratification after a lifetime of delayed gratification.
I like being 50+, and getting what I want.
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Donate without being embarrassed that you are not giving enough.
It’s better than not helping someone out.
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And on some writing project that is slowing me down with the publisher’s requirements:
I know I’m the right guy for the job.
I’m just not sure if it is the right job for me. (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
