What is Your Life Motto?
I sometimes ask myself this.
To be honest, in my relatively many years of prodding this earth, I have no certain answer. It's not that I do not have a life principle. It's more because it keeps changing every time. I am like a judo fighter who is constantly finding his balance while trying to trip the opponent.
So, to answer the question, at the moment, my life truth is "to live freely and fighting."
This maxim, of course, is not originally mine. I stole it from Moses.
My First Poetry Writing Workshop
"Draw a symbol regarding the idea you want to write about," instructs Kuya Dennis.
He is a staff from a non-profit organization. We are in their office. I stare at a bulky busted computer screen. Kuya Dennis sits to my left. To my right is a heap of papers on a table. Behind us are dusty books. It is more like a messy house rather than an office. It is the venue of my first poetry workshop. I write my earliest poem that day. It is the year 2000.
I am a poser pinoy poet. I have no degree in English literature or creative writing. I did not win any awards. In fact, I do not have the courage to join competitions. I am also not a member of any writing groups. Why do I write, therefore? Because writing is my weapon of choice.
Let me explain. Have you ever been in a traditional martial arts dojo? When you first enter by yourself, you feel a certain stillness. You are also confused by the traditional woven mat and the other equipment you observe. You are perplexed by the things you see that are new to you. Yet, strangely, you still feel a calming peace. This is because you imagine yourself learning new helpful skills. You see yourself becoming stronger. You are amazed by the possibilities waiting to come true. Poetry, or writing, is my martial arts. It is my balance. It is my zen.
Moses never saw the Promised Land. He takes slaves from Egypt and assures them freedom. However, they first had to spend 40 years astray in the desert. Many of the workers even say that slavery is better - but not Moses. He falls in love with the desert. He adapts. He likes working for his food, shelter, and survival. This is when he says, "we should learn to live freely and fighting (Deuteronomy 31:6)."
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| Me, Kuya Ayi, and Kuya Dennis (left to right) |
About my Blog
My blog is an expression of struggling and of being free. Click the page Poems above to read my verses. You may also see my essays in the tab Compositions. I included Book Reviews to keep updated on my reading list. The D-I-Y Poetry are easy-to-follow writing workshops you can do at home. Find out about me on Paeng's Bio. Visit my other pages in Links. Lastly, send your feedbacks in Write to me.
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It has been 12 years since my first poem in that non-profit’s office, or rather that messy home. It arms me with a means to find peace. Though I am a mere poser, I find my balance. I am ready to sweep the enemy. ***
