#poesiacorner

[mariellaolden]

You belong here

You're the flowers I'd pick among the vast species in a field. You're the language I no longer speak but still know how to read. You're the clouds in the sky I've been meaning to reach. You're the stars in the night I'd gaze upon. You're the sun I wait to rise in the east to be with you until you set in the west. Your presence lies in every receipt, sticker, and any curio I hold dear. You fill the spaces others are afraid to be in. You show unwavering courage to fight for what you believe in. In my thoughts, you are always here.

You are in every corner, everywhere. Even in the smallest things, your presence is seen.

You belong here, my dear.

[mariellaolden]

Dear my future lover,

I am currently playing love songs and suddenly thought of writing to you for the first time. Do you know what? I have always believed in love. I want the kind of love my parents have. I like the type of love that is real. It may not be perfect, but it is the kind of love that embraces despite the cold and shines regardless of the rain. The love that stays and heals. The love that is simple but feels whole.

I don't know you, and we haven't met yet, but I hope life treats you well. I hope you are somewhere great, enjoying life. If it doesn't, I hope you get through it. I hope you overcome every hardship. Do you find joy in gazing at the sky and stars at night? Are you into taking photography, exploring new things, or visiting museums? Do you prefer going outdoors or staying indoors? I want to know your favorite color or if you like pineapples on pizza as I do. I want to know your favorite coffee drink, but it's fine if you prefer water or milk. 

Everybody around me and my age is falling in love, and here I am, one of the peculiar people who don't want to rush into love. I know you are out there waiting, too, and I hope the waiting never wearies you out. I look forward to sharing my favorite songs with you and making poetry inspired by you. Let's meet halfway soon.

I want us both to eat well and before we meet, let me strive to become the best version of myself first.

With anticipation,

Mariella

[mariellaolden]

The Beauty of the Unknown

Since I was a kid, I have always believed that there is beauty and magic in not knowing everything. The uncertainty makes me wonder what else is out there and what else this world could offer. There are so many places to discover, so many people to meet, and so many stories waiting to be written.

Today, as you read this, I urge you to let the unknown surprise you. Let the unknown blow your mind. Let the unknown heal your soul. Let the unknown make you cry or make you smile. We never know what the next minute, hour, or day has in store for us. Yet, we continue to move forward. This is what life is about. The less we know, the less worry and stress we take in. The less we know, the better. What we do not know could never hurt us.

May we embrace the peace of not knowing everything. Let uncertainty unfold and enjoy the freedom that comes within. Hold on to the promise of the unknown. One step forward, never two steps back.

There is beauty in not knowing everything.

[mariellaolden]

An ode to my father

(No one writes about the good, loving father, and it’s saddening because he deserves the recognition too; so let this be one.)

Growing up, my father would always tell me not to cry and waste the entire day on it. I didn’t understand why. My father is an island of wisdom, a lighthouse of courage, and a sky of blue. He’s not showy, but when he speaks, intelligence flows. He rarely cries. He is so good that his kindness to others always comes back to him tenfold. His jokes may be silly, but they brighten our days. He always had a way with words. He's an explorer and all-rounder, always willing to go the extra mile to provide. Fear has never been a part of his vocabulary; he's never afraid to take up space.

My father has been there for us since day one. He's one of the people who made home feel how it's supposed to feel—warm, comforting, and enough. In my many moments of loss and failure, he's there to reassure me, saying, "It's okay, you can try again next time." I've heard countless words of affection, but his I love you's will always be my favorite. To love my father is to love his thousand wounds, cuts, and imperfections. People say we look alike, and perhaps it’s true. It's in the strength we share and the perseverance to move forward. If I could make a wish, I would ask for the courage to hold my father's hand so I could take out his suitcase of pain, his back full of suffering, and carry the weight of life’s challenges.

If someone were to ask me who my first love is, I would say it’s my father. If someone were to ask me in what way I'm lucky, in a heartbeat, I'd say it’s the way I have him. And if I were reborn, without a doubt, I would still want him to be my father. On his special day today, I pray that the world will be a little kinder towards him and that his purpose will never end. I pray that he will continue to fight his battles, we will always be beside him. I thank him for listening to my stories, for supporting me in pursuing my childhood dream, and for never pressuring me to be anyone but myself. His presence matters a lot. It took quite a lot of effort to shape me into the woman I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Now I know the reason why. My father told me not to cry to understand that life does not end there. For me to keep living, to think of solutions instead of weeping, and to embrace pain but not actually own it and be defined by it. As I grew older, I realized he was right; he always is.

[mariellaolden]

My Favorite Holiday

Growing up, I have always loved the cherished traditions that mark the Christmas season in our country. While other nations celebrate Thanksgiving at the onset of December, Filipinos, including myself, start to build our Christmas tree at home as soon as the “Ber months” commence. Christmas carols would be everywhere, and Christmas lights would light up every house in the streets. No place in the world could come close to the Christmas spirit here in the Philippines.

During my childhood, I have always believed in Santa Claus. Whenever it was the 1st day of December, I would write letters to Santa. Color it red and green, and draw it with symbols of Christmas. I used to be artistic as a kid. I loved writing and giving letters. My parents would tell me I had to finish it as soon as I could so they could send it to Santa through the post office. On Christmas Eve, I sleep early with excitement because I know Santa will come to our house along with his reindeers afterwards. Each morning of Christmas, I would wake up with joy, seeing my wish come to life. It goes on without fail every year. It was then that I came to the realization, just like in the movies, that Santa Claus was, in fact, not true but rather a legendary figure, a Christmas character who served as a charming tale that made children believe in the reward of their wishes if they behaved well to their parents throughout the year. Well, as for me, I found out when I was ten that the real Santa Claus in my life was my father and my mother, who made sure to give me the material gifts such as toys I wanted and written in my letter, all in the pursuit of my happiness. I am forever thankful and grateful for them.

Being the eldest in a Filipino household, I grew up celebrating Christmas together with my extended family. We would set up our Christmas trees and decorate our homes with lanterns and Christmas lights. Attending every Simbang Gabi and completing the nine-day masses have also become a tradition. After the mass, our evenings were sweetened with the delights of puto bumbong or bibingka as dessert after dinner. Each year, we plan a specific theme, pairing our attires with it, and the chosen best outfit is awarded a prize. By the night of Christmas, we would play different games for children and adults. Another segment of the program is the performances of every family, which they prepared days prior. The highlight of the night is whenever we exchange gifts together. Much of our memories were made up of the preparations, the holiday foods, and the shared stories. Our family makes time to celebrate together every Christmas. For most, this is just typical. But for mine, it is one of a kind.

As the year passes and another Christmas season approaches, a faint but deep ache of sadness settles in. Memories of our previous celebrations flashback, marked by the presence of every family member — parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, children, and the inclusion of some close friends. There’s a noticeable difference between those treasured times and now. Even while most are still with us to celebrate this holiday, the absence of others creates a shadow that highlights the hole left by those who are no longer here to join us in our seasonal gathering. I missed them, and I missed celebrating Christmas with them.

As the song goes, this is the season to be jolly. The season of joy and a time dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Beyond that, for us, it also serves as a period of reflection to look back on all the events and experiences we’ve had in that year. As we approach the end of the year, it becomes a powerful reminder that we have conquered the challenges, and we look forward to the promise of a new year: a fresh start and a new beginning.

Now, in my adulthood, I’ve come to recognize that the true essence of Christmas is still there. It never left. Despite the absence of some loved ones I wish were still here with us, their spirit and unwavering love remain in our hearts. If someone were to ask me what my favorite holiday is, without hesitation, I would still answer them with a smile on my face: it is Christmas. My sentiment extends beyond our traditions but lies in the joy of sharing this wonderful season with my favorite people.

If I were given the opportunity to make a wish to Santa again, my wish would not revolve around materialistic things anymore. Instead, my heartfelt wish would be providence, continuous good health of our family, and, most of all, to relive the magic of Christmas, not only this year but also in the years to come, just like the old times.

(written and last edited on december 16, 2023)

[mariellaolden]

I embody everyone I love.

"I embody everyone I love." I speak the language of my own love without knowing I am doing so. I still listen to the song an old friend suggested to me. I make sure to go home before 7PM so I can eat dinner together with my family. Occasionally, I step outside our door barefoot, longing for my late grandmother's gentle reprimands. I always give more than I receive, mirroring what my mother consistently does despite having none for herself. The words of my friends become my own, and the scent of my father's cologne is my only favorite among all.

We often unknowingly imitate the behaviors of our loved ones as humans, and I believe that's what love means to me.

[mariellaolden]

Women of the Present

We live in an era where society continues to hold women to such a different standard and point of view lower than the other gender. Whispers of disbelief echo loudly with stereotypes and continue to give limitations to the power they have. The thought of women in the past whose cries for help were ignored and whose ideas were disregarded lingers. Women have been told, “You are just a woman” countless times, and today, that perspective must be changed.

On the moment a little girl takes their first breath to a woman who was taught to stand tall, women have been confined to narrow boundaries and limited opportunities, unable to showcase their true potential. Yet, time and again, despite the challenges they face simply for being women, their resiliency and strength go beyond, freeing themselves from harsh words and discrimination to preserve future generations' inclusivity.

Moreover, women, without a doubt, persistently excel in different fields usually dominated by men, proving that gender is not a hindrance to success. Throughout the years, the Philippine Military Academy has allowed females to perform combat duties. Building companies inside and outside the country are now hiring female construction workers. As a regular passenger, you will witness women driving jeepneys, tricycles, and even trucks! There are also numerous female topnotchers in every Philippine Licensure Examination. In the Senate, some empowering women, both past and current, have been chosen to lead by example and represent and govern fellow Filipinos. Unlike in the past, women today can have education, vote, run for office, and serve as leaders. Women can now amplify their voices and be recognized for their abilities.

Exceptionally, women proved they could be doctors, too. In sports, women showed the nation that no amount of weight can weigh a woman down. In the arts, they are our country’s legacy for creating art using local materials. In the entertainment industry, women keep making waves by showcasing the unmatched talent of Filipino women. Filipino women have made multiple contributions to the humanities, arts, business, and academics, among other fields, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Indeed, women are the backbone of society. Their determination and indomitable spirit hold the society together. Women are here, there, and everywhere. Despite the obstacles they faced before, women continue to break through stereotypes with every step they take. 

Notably, as the nation celebrates the 2024 National Women's Month with the theme "Lipunang Patas Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" let us honor and respect every Filipino woman for their contributions to our nation's progress while also reaffirming our commitment to women's empowerment and gender equality. The government must continue to give support by training women for jobs traditionally done by men to enhance their skills further. These women continue to leave an indelible mark on society and have been catalysts for social transformation. Their tenacity continues to serve as a beacon of hope. May every citizen strive for a society where women are valued, respected, and allowed to succeed. As one, let's acknowledge women's boundless abilities, shaping a bright future that embraces all—for the fate of women lies within the hands of every woman in the present.

***

I wrote this essay as my entry in the recent online essay writing contest organized by our municipality's gender and development committee in celebration of International Women's Day, which placed second in the English category.

Thank you to everyone who extended their support, especially to my family & friends. My sincerest thanks to my parents for checking my essay before I submit them, and to Montalban GAD for organizing this writing event. Happy Literature Month and long live to all the women of the present and future!

[mariellaolden]

"Museum Encounter" is a prose fiction I wrote inspired by my love for museums and in connection with the issue theme of "childhood & growth. Recently published in Gradaran Literary Magazine (@gradaranlitmag)'s Second Issue: Aurora. Feel free to read it on page 17! 🌸🩷

🖇️: https://gradaranliterarymagazine.weebly.com/issue-ii.html

[mariellaolden]

The essay I wrote last National Women's Month got published and chosen as this week's YWJ weekly prize winner!

Thanks to Young Writers Journal for showcasing my work out to the world!

Read 'From a woman to every woman' here: https://ywjarchive.wordpress.com/2024/09/14/from-a-woman-to-every-woman-by-mariella-angela-h-olden/

[mariellaolden]

Writing is one of my ways to deal with grief. Last week, my poem "2:51" got published by Outside the Box Poetry!📣 Mind giving the whole poem a read?

🖇️: https://www.outsidetheboxpoetry.com/books/one#h.y024ptlpmps4

[mariellaolden]

This Is What Grief Actually Feel Like

One time, you’re talking to them. The next time, they are gone.

This is the thing with grief.

It is shouting hard, even though you did not mean to make it too loud.

Each passing day, it feels less strangling, holding your hand.

It befriends you until it’s the only thing keeping you alive.

Grief comes & then grief goes, like seasons or the exchange of the sun & the moon.

It blooms like flowers, but also withers in the end.

Grief is dying with you while still having to live.

Grief is dying with you until breathing no longer feel the same again.

What you can only do is to carry it close & embody fully until it make you realize it never leaves because grief comes like how love does.

[mariellaolden]

Silent Killer: The thing with the D-word

There are voices in your head telling you a lot of things. The noise is muffled. It is dull and far enough away that it could not even be actually there. You are drowning in the solitude of your own head. It is like a gray veil. It limits your perspective and keeps you separated from the world.

That is the thing with the D-word called “depression.”. It kills you silently without warning, and it affects your mental and emotional health.

The word “depression” in English refers to a significant medical condition that has an adverse impact on one’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior. It is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world. Regardless of gender, color, or nationality, it has an impact on everyone. According to J. Jacaba (1997) says that depression is a mutual disorder that causes anxiety and the feeling of stress. Depression can make one’s life miserable and cause sadness, and any person can have it (M. J. Mugot, 1997). Meanwhile, in 2018, the Department of Health estimated that 154 million Filipinos suffer from depression every year.

Depression is a sensitive topic, and it can happen anytime and anywhere. It could be to your friend, a family member, or even yourself (Rico, 2004). Depression is characterized by the sensation of carrying an undue load. Students often relate to this because they have heavy workloads in their academics. It can also be due to peer pressure or a family problem. The time and pressure can lead them to exhaustion. This could be due to painful experiences, social anxiety, or other people’s expectations. People who are depressed may also have cognitive difficulties, poor concentration, and memory problems. Emotional and behavioral changes such as the feeling of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, tiredness, or insomnia are some effects of depression. People frequently lose interest in and distance themselves from the people and things they value, even when participating in activities that used to make them happy.

There are lots of things beyond our control, and it’s only a certain kind of perception that would determine an individual’s response. Life is indeed full of hardships to test us and not down us. As humans, it is common for us to experience many hardships and challenges in life that can make us lose all sense of life. Days might be good or bad, but nonetheless, approaching someone who experiences this and offering your support sends a powerful message that they’re not alone. You might think it is useless, but it can make a difference. Listening with an open mind can help in a meaningful way to lessen the burden. You are not alone in this fight.

(written and last edited on november 17, 2022 for a school activity)

[mariellaolden]

75-word story entitled "A single killer word" by Mariella Angela H. Olden (@poesiacorner) was featured last July 25 on Paragraph Planet! Sincere thanks to EIC Richard for posting my work!

Check out their creative writing website for more amazing stories!

🔗: http://paragraphplanet.com

[mariellaolden]

WORDS LEFT UNSAID

Another work of mine is now out to the world!

My work "words left unsaid" have been published in Hot Pot Magazine's Issue 13: Enima. Big thanks to EIC Emily for choosing this piece of mine! <3 Together with amazing works from other writers, give it a full read !

🖇️: https://hotpotmagazine.com/2024/06/16/issue-13-words-left-unsaid/

[mariellaolden]

The box in the attic

My Debut Flash 'The box in the attic' for FlashFlood 2024 is now up for reading! Special thanks to National Flash Flood editors for choosing my piece as one of the micro fictions for this year's publication (out of all the hundreds of submissions) <3

Read the full version through this link and leave your thoughts in the comments! 📝

🖇️: https://flashfloodjournal.blogspot.com/2024/06/debut-flash-box-in-attic-by-mariella.html

[mariellaolden]

New Season

My very first 100-word flash fiction, entitled "New Season" has been published by Friday Flash Fiction! Give it a full read and leave your thoughts in the comments 🤍 📝

🖇️: https://fridayflashfiction.com/1/post/2024/06/new-season-by-mariella-angela-olden.html