Sea Fever....

by John Masefield (from Salt-Water Ballads, 1902)

Siquijor

 I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
 

Calatagan

 And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray dawn breaking.
 

Calatagan

I must down go to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
 

Siquijor

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

Biri Island, Samar

 I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
 

Biri Island, Samar

 And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Calatagan

The sea for most is a sanctuary from a fast-paced life....longing for that serene moment, just the blues and greens and relaxing sound of the frolicking waves. It offers relief to a stressed-out soul, the weary eyes and tired feet...yet for me it’s more than the calm shores and the breezy air. The sea beckons my inner wild spirit, the curious mind and adventurous heart.  

Siquijor

When the tide ceases, the bare sand and rocks may seem washed out and uninviting.  Looking closely, it’s actually a banquet, a snapshot or a teaser for what’s out there in the ocean floor.  Looking closely you’ll see, that the rocks and wet sand are teeming with life.   Like a window that educates a curious mind.  

Apo Island, Negros

When the tide is high, Mother Nature may let you swim in peace.   But beware when the tempest comes. For that time, the sea commands respect. Yes, commands it for the sea can be ruthless sometimes, treacherous even…..mesmerizing one moment and then pulling you under the next.

Apo Island, Negros Oriental

For the sea should be valued for its beauty, and respected for its might…

The Most Profound lessons sometimes come in small packages

I was buying butter at 7/11, second in line..waiting, when a small girl, about 7 or 8? still dressed in her school uniform, picks up a small chocolate and asked the counter girl how much it costs. I can't help but eye the girl. she was dressed in an old worn out uniform, obviously a hand me down..little big for her, a little dirty even..my eye also caught what she's holding in her hands...coins: 7 pesos in all...and she, was holding a toblerone!...

girl: ate magkano to?

countergirl: 55

girl, picked up a smaller chocolate and asked: ate eto?

countergirl: 40

undaunted, picked up a less expensive looking piece and asked: ate eto po?

countergirl: 20

a little crestfallen, but continued to pick up even smaller pieces of candies and kept asking.

I was fixated at the girl, that i forgot it was my turn. i quite didnt know how to feel. i did not feel embarrassed for her, coz her voice never waivered. i didnt feel pity, coz she was not begging. 

I was sad for her, yes..so i decided to buy her the chocolate. I said:

me: ate bayaran ko na to (picked up two toblerones)

countergirl to the girl: o, babayaran na ni ate...(smiling)

And Lo! the young girl refused! i was fumbed. insulted? i dont know. she picked up instead a small gum, 5 pesos, and paid for it. I said to her: ayaw mo na ng chocolate? bigay ko na sayo. She just looked at me, clutching her spare coins. those were hard earned coins, i get it, yet her face told me she didnt need my sympathy. She got pride. The girl got punk! i smiled. 

A lot of older kids outside ran around begging, yet this girl wont accept a chocolate she wanted for free. there is hope for tomorrow!

smiling, i walked home.