Three Poems on Mourning and Healing

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Two days before your third month away


You were back.
The vacation must be good:
I did not notice your white hairs
or your blackheads.
And I did not even look at your belly,
or your battered hands.
I just immediately saw you
with your robust cheeks,
all reddish and radiant.
I missed you
but longing melted right away
when I held your warm hands,
and you transfused to me
your joy within.
Did I just see eternal peace?

By Gerlie M. Uy
Copyright June 2016


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With my father, 15 April 2016


You were lying on your bed,
And playing with Lola Epyon.
Crisp laughter I heard;
I am not mistaken.
I was surprised you were around
And I came near you.
You stood up beside me;
I touched your bloated belly.
Is it still painful 'Tay?
You said, "Not anymore."
"Oh, in heaven the pain is gone,
But your belly is still bloating," I teased.
Then, I held and kissed your hand;
It was warm and alive.
The kiss left a smile on my lips.
Thank you for visiting me
In my sleep.

By Gerlie M. Uy 
Copyright April 2016


 ****


Riding away with the waves


Today, we will go to the sea
and have a piece of your belongings
ride away with the waves
so that you will leave in peace.
This may free you
from the burden of our worldly sorrows,
from the heaviness of our longings,
from the bondage of our thoughts,
from many what ifs when you're alive,
from many unfinished business to do,
from many plans we still wish to pursue with you.
Today, we will go to the sea
and have a piece of your belongings
ride away with the waves.
This may free us too.


By Gerlie M. Uy 
Copyright April 2016




Location: Philippines

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