I say
this solitude is a cold,
slow bullet
piercing your heart
violet on your favorite white shirt
the blood blossoming into a somber flower
red and black
noiseless on your throat
muffled by your sobs
Tremble
Cower
Clamber up some secret hiding place
Fall into yourself
deeper some more
Gasp for the name of God
and with a last breath
say your prayer
forgive
this stranger
warming your heart
—
Janice Joy Chiongson teaches English at Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus.