Carolina A. Arceo is an assistant professor of English and Filipinoat the Tarlac State University. A former coordinator of the Office of Public Affairs of the same university and a translator of Panrelihiyong Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (PSWF), Region 3.

Frustrated Wish

So happy and trusted 

these people in love 

for their sorrow they have 

somebody to share. 

My destiny that's so lonely 

am i alone with this? 

For i said i won't think twice 

because suffering i am now. 

If ever i fall in love to a man 

there's nothing i could see 

that i have my counterpart. 

Time i shall forget when i was born 

better in a thousand years 

If at my birth i was gone. 

I should have tried to explain 

but tongue-tied i was 

for i could clearly see

that i won't be lucky. 

And it really pleases me much 

that my love for you knows 

So i swear and promise you, 

that my life is just for you.

Blasted Hopes

M.Foronda Jr. 

What gladness and what joy

and endowed to one who is loved

for truly there is one to share

all his sufferings and his pain.

My fate for dim, my stars so low

perhaps nothing to it can compare,

for truly I do not doubt

for presently I suffer so.

For even I did love

the beauty whom I desired

never do I fully realize

that I am worthy of her.

Shall I curse the hour

when first I saw the light of day

would it not have been better a thousand times

I had died when I was born.

Would I want to explain

but my tongue remains powerless

for now do I clearly see

to be spurned is my lot.

But would it be my greatest joy

to know that it is you I love,

for to you do I vow and promise I make

It's you alone for whom I would lay my life.