Twenty-Sixth Poem by Rom Mar

Haven't seen them in months, almost a couple
Left home to swim in the sands, in search for the pearly pebble
Tides away from my dear kin and friends, deep down, I crumble
Salty drops concealed behind my lens, now they start to fall
A little hollow within
On the day of my twenty-sixth

Gleaming daylight over the 60's bungalow block, as yellow as the daffodils
Scent of the morning dew at six of the clock, menthol aroma through the nostrils
The red spaghetti sauce she prepares, brings sweetest taste in my mouth
The toothless smile he always wears, is still the best in the crowd
Their company would be the greatest gift
On the day of my twenty-sixth

Been missing my college mates, especially my closest pal
Rendezvous in the evening at eight, casual dinner at the capital
It was supposed to be a sausage party, but he brought his plus one
Yet, 'twas one of my merry nights in the city, better than a perfect plan
Hope we can repeat it
On the day of my twenty-sixth

Haven't seen her in ages, roughly two years plus a twelfth
Memory preserved on the diary's pages, only me and herself
We shared early breakfast in pancakes and fries, across the church roundabout
Smooth coffee chat under the vermillion skies, windy jeepney ride heading south
Another good chance is my wish
On the day of my twenty-sixth

With a prayer I start this chapter, a new year in my calendar
Thanking Him for filling me up like an aquifer, saving me when things go against the collar
And as the stars and sun trade places, like the timed signal bulbs
I just count the days 'til I pack my suitcases, queue up for next plane ticket stubs
And try to forget the pain
By slaving away
On my twenty-sixth birthday