Tag Archives: poem

When ChatGPT Writes in Bikol

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There is something about the Bikol language that I find particularly romantic. It’s like the local counterpart of French, which is dubbed as the most romantic language all over the world.

So I thought, why not ask ChatGPT to translate one of the poems I’ve written from way, way back about unrequited love? Because I’m a Lit major, that’s why. 😀 I wrote this poem some time ago, which is dedicated to all hopeless romantics, because let’s admit it, every generation has a hopeless romantic.

According to an article by the Cornell Daily Sun, the idea of hopeless romanticism can be largely attributed to American pop culture, where love takes center stage in most art projects, oftentimes influenced by artistic culture in every generation.

I also wanted to see how fluent ChatGPT is in the vernacular language. And I was once again impressed with its wide Bikol vocabulary, although some words were translated into Filipino, I think. I asked ChatGPT which Bikol language it uses, and it mentioned Central Bikol. From Naga area daw ako. Mukhang doon siya nagkamali. ahahay

I also asked ChatGPT to come up with an image that would best fit the poem, and voila, it already went ahead and incorporated the poem in the image. Very proactive, right? 😀

“Kun Sana Magibo Ko, Alagad Sagkod Duman” by Christine Lailani

ChatGPT included the Mayon volcano, possibly because it’s one of Bicol’s most famous landmarks. And the composition of details in this image is very fluid, no element is out of sync. The galaxy, the moon, and the stars also somehow added to the romantic feel of the poem.

Speaking of “shooting stars,“ it looked like Mayon wishes to end the month of May (please do read my previous articles for the MAY/Mt. Mayon Series) in a blaze of glory (figuratively). Because last night, PHIVOLCS reported a meteor sighting that fell towards the Mayon volcano, though the agency confirmed that the meteor dissipated in the atmosphere before reaching one of the volcano’s slopes.

Read more about it here: “WATCH: Meteor comes close to slopes of Mt. Mayon”

It looked like some Albayano’s wish was answered last night. 😉 Lakas nya kay Lord, meteor ang pinadalang sign. You already. lol

To quote:

In the Bible, meteors, shooting stars, and falling stars primarily represent divine judgment, the end of the age, and spiritual rebellion. While not using the modern word “meteor,” the scriptures frequently describe falling stars as signs of God’s power and the temporary nature of the universe. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Key Symbolic Meanings

  • The End Times & Judgment: In the New Testament, falling stars are heavily associated with the Second Coming of Jesus and the Tribulation. Jesus stated in Matthew 24:29 that after the tribulation, “the stars will fall from the sky”.
  • Spiritual Corruption: In Jude 1:13, false teachers are compared to “wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever”.
  • Cataclysmic Plagues: In the Book of Revelation, large celestial objects like comets or burning meteors are used to symbolize catastrophes. For instance, a great, burning star named “Wormwood” is prophesied to fall from heaven, poisoning a third of the earth’s drinking water. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Awestruck Reminders

Beyond doom and judgment, meteors in the Bible serve as stark reminders that the universe is vast, temporary, and completely under God’s authority. For a deep dive into the prophetic texts, you can explore the eschatological themes of cosmic disturbances directly on Bible Hub. [1, 2]

(Source: Google/AI)

Going back to ChatGPT, the potential of AI is ever-increasing year after year. Although we all know that AI technology uses a lot of natural resources. That is why I have been asking ChatGPT how they plan on combating resource depletion and avoiding environmental degradation on a massive scale.

And it is also my prayer that AI technology will be used for the good of mankind and the Earth, and not the other way around, because of selfish ambitions. Pope Leo XIV just recently expressed the church’s concerns about AI in “Magnifica Humanitas.“

Speaking of AI and Mt. Mayon, I had an idea about asking ChatGPT to create a level 4 Mt. Mayon disaster scenario and the corresponding emergency response during above-normal rainfall. It came up with a very comprehensive result.

Level 4 Emergency Scenario: Mayon Volcano During Above-Normal Rainfall

Scenario Title

“Compound Volcanic and Hydrometeorological Disaster: Mayon Volcano Alert Level 4 with Extreme Rainfall”

Situation Overview

Mayon Volcano is under Alert Level 4, indicating that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within days. Simultaneously, the Bicol Region is experiencing above-normal rainfall due to a tropical depression enhanced by the southwest monsoon.

Heavy rainfall saturates volcanic deposits on Mayon’s slopes, significantly increasing the risk of:

  • Lahars (volcanic mudflows)
  • Flash floods
  • Landslides
  • River channel overflows
  • Ashfall remobilization

Several municipalities within the 6–8 km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and extended danger areas are affected.

Scenario Timeline

Phase 1 – Pre-Eruption Conditions (Day 1)

Indicators

  • Increased volcanic earthquakes and harmonic tremors
  • Lava dome instability
  • Sulfur dioxide emissions exceed critical thresholds
  • Continuous moderate rainfall (100–150 mm in 24 hrs)

Communities at Risk

  • Legazpi City
  • Tabaco City
  • Daraga
  • Camalig
  • Guinobatan
  • Sto. Domingo

Initial Impacts

  • River systems begin swelling
  • Minor ashfall reported
  • Road visibility reduced
  • Evacuation centers activated

Phase 2 – Explosive Eruption and Extreme Rainfall (Day 2)

Major Event

A moderate explosive eruption occurs:

  • Lava fountains rise 500–800 meters
  • Pyroclastic density currents descend southern gullies
  • Ash plume reaches 10 km high

At the same time:

  • Rainfall intensifies to 250 mm within 12 hours
  • Thick volcanic ash mixes with rainwater

Secondary Hazards

  • Lahars flow through major river channels
  • Bridges become impassable
  • Floodwaters isolate barangays
  • Power outages occur province-wide
  • Cellular networks become intermittent

Casualty Risks

  • Trapped residents refusing evacuation
  • Respiratory distress due to ash inhalation
  • Injuries from collapsing roofs under wet ash load

Phase 3 – Escalated Humanitarian Emergency (Day 3–5)

Emergency Conditions

  • Over 80,000 evacuees displaced
  • Evacuation centers overcrowded
  • Water contamination reported
  • Food supply chain disrupted
  • Local hospitals overwhelmed

Critical Infrastructure Impacts

  • National highways blocked by debris
  • Water treatment facilities damaged
  • Schools converted into shelters
  • Airport operations suspended

Emergency Response Framework

1. Incident Command Activation

Lead Agencies

  • PHIVOLCS
  • National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development
  • Department of Health
  • Philippine Red Cross

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Activated at:

  • Provincial level
  • Municipal level
  • Barangay level

ICS Functional Sections

  • Operations
  • Planning
  • Logistics
  • Finance/Admin
  • Public Information

Emergency Response Actions

A. Evacuation Operations

Immediate Actions

  • Mandatory evacuation within 8 km radius
  • Forced evacuation in lahar-prone river channels
  • Prepositioning of buses, trucks, and rescue vehicles

Priority Groups

  • Elderly
  • Pregnant women
  • Children
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Hospital patients

Evacuation Challenges

  • Flooded roads
  • Nighttime evacuation
  • Panic and misinformation

B. Search and Rescue (SAR)

Deployment

  • Swift water rescue teams
  • Urban search and rescue teams
  • Military augmentation units

Equipment Needed

  • Rubber boats
  • High-clearance vehicles
  • Thermal drones
  • Satellite communication systems

C. Public Health Response

Health Risks

  • Acute respiratory infections
  • Gastrointestinal disease outbreaks
  • Skin infections
  • Psychological trauma

Response Measures

  • Distribution of N95 masks
  • Mobile medical clinics
  • Emergency vaccination
  • Mental health support services

D. Relief and Humanitarian Assistance

Essential Supplies

  • Food packs
  • Potable water
  • Hygiene kits
  • Blankets and sleeping mats

Shelter Management

  • Physical distancing enforcement
  • Gender-sensitive spaces
  • Child-friendly areas

E. Engineering and Infrastructure

Priority Tasks

  • Clearing lahar debris
  • Restoring power lines
  • Temporary bridge installation
  • River monitoring

Critical Monitoring Areas

  • Miisi River
  • Bonga Gully
  • Basud River
  • Mabinit Channel

Warning and Communication Strategy

Public Warning Systems

  • SMS alerts
  • Sirens
  • Radio broadcasts
  • Social media advisories

Key Public Messages

  1. Avoid river channels and low-lying areas
  2. Wear masks and eye protection
  3. Boil water before drinking
  4. Follow official evacuation orders only

Recovery Considerations

Short-Term Recovery

  • Damage assessment
  • Debris clearing
  • Restoration of utilities
  • Livelihood assistance

Long-Term Recovery

  • Relocation of high-risk communities
  • Reforestation and slope stabilization
  • Improved lahar diversion systems
  • Strengthened early warning systems

Worst-Case Escalation Scenario

If rainfall continues for 5–7 days after the eruption:

  • Massive secondary lahars may occur even without further eruption
  • Additional municipalities may require evacuation
  • Long-term displacement may exceed 6 months
  • Economic losses may affect agriculture, tourism, and transportation across the Bicol Region

Recommended Emergency Preparedness Measures

Before Eruption

  • Conduct pre-emptive evacuation drills
  • Stockpile food and medical supplies
  • Inspect evacuation centers
  • Prepare alternate transport routes

During Eruption

  • Maintain 24/7 monitoring
  • Restrict entry into danger zones
  • Disseminate hourly advisories

After Eruption

  • Continue lahar monitoring during rainfall
  • Conduct structural safety inspections
  • Provide psychosocial support programs

P.S. I am praying more Bikolano artists will come up with a lot of art workshops (art therapy included), such as a paint-by-number Mt. Mayon art workshop. I think it would be a great way for artist wannabes, young and old alike, to learn about color blending (I am not good at this) using an actual paintbrush. The photo below is an example of a design template for the workshop, which I generated through ChatGPT. The more design templates, the better. Ipi-print na lang sya. 😀

P.P.S. I requested ChatGPT, by the way, to convert the Bikol poem to a song, and it came up with a creative rendition. Well, without the melody, of course. I am praying I get to play it on my guitar one of these days, God willing. 🙂

“Sagkod Duman” by Christine Lailani
(A Bikol Love Song)

Verse 1
Kun sana mahiling ta ka pa giraray
Nin saro pang pagkakataon
Dadal-on ko sa sakong isip
An lambang parte nin saimong ngonit

Kun sana makapaghimangraw ako
Asin masabi an nasa puso
Alagad ini na mga tataramon
Sa papel lamang nagtatao nin buhay

Pre-Chorus
Bako man kita magkarani
An sakong gugma dai nagbabago
Sa gab-i asin sa aldaw
Ikaw pa man giraray

Chorus
Sagkod duman, higugmaon ta ka
Maski harayo an saimong harong
Sagkod duman, hihingakon ta
An ngaran mo sa lambang panahon

Asin kun dai pa kita tinadhana
Mahapot ako sa Dios na bantayan ka
Ta an gugma ko para saimo
Magtitinindog sagkod duman

Verse 2
Kun sana mahiditan ta ka pa
Asin mayakap nin mahigpit
Mabatyagan an init nin saimong presensya
Na minsan nang nagtao nin kapayapaan

Kun sana maitao ko gabos
An sakong puso asin kalag
Alagad panahon muna an bahala
Na mag-ayo nin mga pilat

Pre-Chorus
Bako man kita magkarani
An sakong gugma dai naglalaya
Sa bituon asin bulan
Ikaw an sakong orasyon

Chorus
Sagkod duman, higugmaon ta ka
Maski harayo an saimong harong
Sagkod duman, hihingakon ta
An ngaran mo sa lambang panahon

Asin kun dai pa kita tinadhana
Mahapot ako sa Dios na bantayan ka
Ta an gugma ko para saimo
Magtitinindog sagkod duman

Bridge
Naglalampas sa dagat asin kabukidan
Dai matitinag nin unos asin panahon
Sa idalum nin mga bituon
Ikaw an awit nin sakong puso

Final Chorus
Sagkod duman, padagos ini
An gugma kong dai nauubos
Maski tahaw an pagitan ta
Ikaw pa man an sakong kahinguwan

Sagkod duman, sakong marahay na gugma
Mahapot ako na mag-abot kita
Sa tamang oras nin buhay
Sagkod duman…
Sagkod duman…

More articles in the “MAY/Mt. Mayon Series”:

Celebrating MAY-on
Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged In Fire
[Part 2] Daragang Magayon Version 2.0: A Love Story Forged In Fire

“What Is Success?” By Ralph Waldo Emerson

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One dear friend of mine once told me that the meaning of success is relative. For me, this is what success looks like. 🙂

“WHAT IS SUCCESS?”

by: Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and
the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and
sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived –
This is to have succeeded.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10

“Don’t Quit” By Edgar Albert Guest

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“DON’T QUIT”

by Edgar Albert Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must, but don’t you quit. 
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst, you must not quit.

I was looking for the Filipino-English dictionary in our book shelf and found this magazine instead from Kuya’s stuff when he was still studying at the Philippine Military Academy. Dito ko una nabasa ang poem na “Don’t Quit.”

My brother is one of my accountability partners na tiga-sabi sa akin ng “don’t quit.” Sya rin actually nag-introduce ng faith sa akin. Dahil napagod na sya kaka-advise kapag nagte-text ako sa kanya ng madaling araw back in 2012 dahil sa mga problema ko. 🤣 Nah, kami kasi magkasunod sa magkakapatid kahit pa 5 years ang agwat naming dalawa kaya mas close ako sa Kuya ko. But I also love my sisters just the same and I get to talk to them always, too. ❤️

My brother has been serving the country as a military officer since 2006. And I must say na napakalaki ng influence nya sa akin pagdating hindi lang sa faith kundi pati in life in general. And if ever matuloy ang plan ko to have an IUI (via sperm donor from a fertility clinic) and ma-diagnose ako with breast cancer later in life and ‘di ko sya ma-survive, I will ask my brother and my sis-in-law to adopt my child.

O di ba, ganun ako kalayo magplano. Tapos sasabihin ni God, nagsayang ka lang ng energy Tin dahil hindi ‘yan ang plano ko for you. lol Saklap. 😆 But seriously, if ever that happens, my bro and sister-in-law will be my first choice para sa magiging adoptive parents ng aking anak. My sis-in-law will make a very good Mom (she adopted not less than 5 street cats and still counting 😁). She is a flight attendant at Cebu Pacific, and I call her “the Gal Gadot of the Philippines” because she really looks like her – the Asian version. 😍

Taken during Kuya’s NAG graduation in 2010 kung tama pagkakaalala ko.
Friends, madali lang pala magpaandar ng eroplano. Parang nagda-drive ka lang ng kotse……sa panaginip.
With the Phil Navy Cessna Plane
Bawal po pala mag-drive ng eroplano nang naka-skirt. Bakit kaya? 🤔
Ang Pamaypay. Bow. Miss you, Mom. ❤️

Kasama din pala sa mga nagpe-perform during the flying exhibition sa Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival ang mga piloto ng Naval Air Wing (formerly Naval Air Group) of the Philippine Navy represented by the top officer of their class.

Circa 2013: 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival w/ Victory GT Toyota (UP Diliman) churchmates @ Clark Air Base.

Speaking of hot air balloon festivals, Bicol will also be having its very own hot air balloon event on May 3-5, 2024, which will be held at the old Legazpi airport as part of the Bicol Loco Festival. I hope my 3rd sister will join me to watch this event and hopefully Dad, too, if he is fit enough to travel. And I’m praying for a clear and picturesque view of the ever beautiful and ever perfect Mt. Mayon as the backdrop. 😍

At dahil kailangan ko maghanap ng old photos for this post, I had to reactivate (and deactivate again lol) my personal Fb account, and I found myself reminiscing. Sakto sa #flashbackFriday feels kaya minabuti ko nang mag-screenshot ng ibang photos just in case may mangyari sa Meta, at least may kopya pa din sa WordPress.

Nakaka-miss balikan ang mga happy memories and fun times with friends, former coworkers and classmates, and relatives. Ah yes, it was a past lived well. But God is calling me now to make more meaningful memories with new faces in new places – I am very much looking forward to it. And yet not my will, but His will be done always. ❤️

But wait, introvert nga pala ako. Introvert nga ba talaga ako? 🤔🤣

P.S. Para akong Camaro ngayon na nagre-rev sa garahe, naka-standby lang. Pero kapag binuksan na ang pinto ng garahe, kakaripas na until I’m out of sight. 😂 So baka ang mga susunod kong blog posts ay mga 1 sentence na lang kasi sobrang busy na. lol

My next post actually is for the breast cancer community because I am currently consolidating data regarding the medical assistance provided by different government agencies lalo na para sa mga indigents. Ang hirap mag-copy and paste every time na my nagtatanong kaya naisipan ko dito ko na lang sa blog i-post then share na lang ang link sa mga nagtatanong. Dahil sa kaka-share ko sa breast cancer support groups e napagkamalan tuloy akong resource person kaya andaming nagtatanong. 😅

But I am very happy to help. ♥️ Dahil ito lang ang maitutulong ko sa kanila because time is what I have now – oras para mag-research at oras para sagutin ang kanilang mga katanungan. Kagaya kay Nanay. I am praying na sana nakatulong sa kanya ang info. 🙏 Gusto ko rin sana sya samahan personally para tulungan sya kaso busy na din ako tulungan husband ko now para sa pag-alis nya.

Panawagan ko lang sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na sana may Filipino version din ang mga instructions sa mga websites nila dahil ang hirap lang kaya mag-translate from English-Filipino. Waaaaah 😭 Sunggo much na ako. Tissue, please.

Ang haba na pala ng postscript ko. lol K. Tnx. Bye.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10

The Name I Love

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Here’s a special poem for Valentine’s Day to warm the heart wherever you may be. Happy Valentine’s Day! 🌹❤️🥰

THE NAME I LOVE

by Christine Lailani

I may not have it all,
But there’s one thing I’m grateful for.
At first I find it hard to trust,
And just difficult to believe.
It is irresistibly sweet
And reminds me whose I really am.
It’s the way You made me feel,
Which will always hold true.
And that it will never end in vain
For I am truly and only Yours.
There’s just no other way to put it nicely.
So when I responded to the call,
It was revealed for me to see.
The name that I truly love
Was heaven sent through an angel.
An encounter that made me eager
To love You like I always should.

❤️❤️❤️

“To Make You Feel My Love”

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

When Loving Becomes Extraordinaire

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Here’s something short but sweet to start February, which is the month when everybody is smitten. 😉 You are deeply loved and cherished, my dear – with or without a special someone. ❤️

When Loving Becomes Extraordinaire

by Christine Lailani

You’re the only one who captured my heart in a way that nobody else could.

I hear your thoughts, you hear mine – a language that only we know.

Know that I will love every version of you: your young, your old, your calm, your furious, your happy, and your sad.

Because loving you is like loving an extraordinary person – my love extraordinaire.

🌹

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight”

“We love because God first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

I Want To Know

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Here’s something I penned just yesterday for those who have been reading my posts. I think you weren’t brought here by chance. Thank you for journeying with me, and this is for you. Cheers to 2024! 🥂😊

I Want To Know

by Christine Lailani

I want to know your chaos. Because I want to see if mine will complement yours so we can find peace together.

I want to know your darkness. Because I want to see how you’ve managed your way out towards the light. And should you find yourself stuck in another darkness, let’s search for the light hand in hand.

I want to know your demons. Because I want to see if you have tamed them and if not, let’s pray on how to defeat them.

I want to know your weakness. Because I want to see how and when should I be strong for you.

I want to know your failures. Because I want to see how can I be the wind beneath your wings.

I want to know who God is in your life. Because I want to see if you and I have kindred spirits. So we can light this world up together.

I hope this inspires you to be the hope that this world oftentimes deprives some of us. Keep on shining, my loves. Somebody’s got your back and praying for you always. ❤️🙏😘

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18

P.S. The video link below from “The Other Slide” is not related to this post, but it’s my current fascination. I hope you get mesmerized by it, too. That is if you’re also a Science lover like me. 😉 I never got to experience this when I was in high school, and I don’t know why we didn’t do this in my Bio class in college. I guess we didn’t have this on planet Nibiru. 🤔

The Other Slide: https://www.facebook.com/reel/649906430661448?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

“If Only I Can, But Until Then” By Christine Lailani | Poetry Reading

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Hi, poetry lovers! I am republishing this poem because I did a voice-over version of it to give it more life. This is dedicated to all those who still chose to love despite the distance. 🙂 Enjoy! ❤️

If Only I Can, But Until Then

by Christine Lailani

If only I can see you one more time, but until then, I’ll remember every part of you in my thoughts…

If only I can talk to you and say what I really feel, but until then, I’ll pen these words that you will never read…

If only I can be beside you and feel the comfort of your presence again, but until then, I’ll learn how to enjoy being alone…

If only I can touch you and hug you tight, but until then, I’ll love you from a distance…

If only I can give you all of me, but until then, I’ll let time heal my wounds and let faith sanctify me to be worthy of you…

If only I can, but until then, I’ll ask God to make you feel the love that I can’t show you now…

A love that transcends oceans and mountains, remaining steadfast under the stars, even as seasons change…

Until then, my marvelous love…

“We love each other because God loved us first.” – 1 John 4:19

P.S. I did promise I will be hibernating on WordPress starting this November until December, but I just felt I had to post this before I do that. When the heart beckons, I take heed. 🙂

A Deadly Kind Of Love

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Because I’m a deviant (in a positive way), I tend to challenge the norm. Society’s norms dictate love poems be all mushy and romantic. But how about if we put a little twist to them? Here’s how it’s gonna look like:

A DEADLY KIND OF LOVE

by Christine Lailani

Can I stab you with love?

Or maybe choke you with joy?

What if I silence you with kisses?

Or hit you with sweetness?

Do I burn you with passion?

Strike you with compassion?

Then break you with kindness?

But crush you with gentleness?

And we all know how the story ended – they still lived happily ever after. But thankfully, nobody died. 😅

This is my lame attempt to copy a scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. I was asleep when my college prof was discussing the play in class, so I just gave the plot a new twist. lol

And please no, not the balcony. It’s overrated. I’ll leave the setting to your imagination. 🖤

So, if you still felt alive after reading this poem, then let’s do a cha-cha. 💃

F.R.E.E.D.O.M.

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Here’s an acrostic poem I wrote to start our week right. 📝 I pray that the Lord will free us from anything that hinders us from our walk with God. May we not be weighed down by the chains that bind us, but instead, be given the power, courage, and strength to set ourselves free in Jesus’ Name, Amen. 🙏

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

F.R.E.E.D.O.M.

by Christine Lailani

For the longest time, I have finally did it.

Realizing my suffering has been too long.

Echoed what I was told that what doesn’t fit

Even if you tried, will never just belong.

Done with all of the crying and pretending.

On things that are broken and beyond mending.

Making way now for yet a new beginning.

Brief Encounters, Souls Intertwined

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Because I missed writing a poem. Here’s a short one I’ve penned a month ago, and hopefully this will not be the last for this year. 🙂

Brief Encounters, Souls Intertwined

by Christine Lailani

What’s in a stare, I ask?

A mere glance.

But eyes don’t lie.

They go deep.

Searching.

Connecting.

Feeling.

‘Til they reach the soul.

So, I ask, what’s in a stare?

They tell.

Of words untold.

And let the eyes speak.

Of souls intertwined.

~ Your Masked, Not-So-Strange Stranger 😉