In your eyes, I can see the innocence.

In your eyes, I can feel the sincerity.

Sometimes I prefer talking to children. I feel that I can get more honest answers from them. If you ask them questions, you can get direct answers and they tell it to you right in front of your face whether it is good or bad without going around the bush. Children are very sensible to talk to and so sometimes I would feel that they are more knowledgeable. Yes, their being naughty is annoying and irritating, however, it is interesting to reach them out and enter their own little world.

With this modern age wherein everything is getting more and more complex, it is sometimes okay to try to put ourselves in a child’s point of view – simple and uncomplicated…I have heard this quote over and over and I guess this goes out to those people who are living a serious and busy life. 

“Grow and act your age but never forget the child in you.”

Life is short so enjoy it.

Are they happier?

Wandering along the streets, carrying sacks, dark and greasy appearance, long and 

sticky hair, unrecognizable color of clothes and so on. These are some of the descriptions 

that you would hear every time you ask someone about a “taong grasa.” I don’t know if the Americans have already created a word for “taong grasa.” Although most people are using the word “grease man” (the exact translation of the word). So how would I call them? Can I use the word “beggar or panhandler”? Could be but I think not. Rarely have I seen a taong grasa begging for money. They usually walk tirelessly, picking trash, picking left over food for their empty stomach. I’m not sure if I can use the words loony, crazy or the politically correct word mentally challenged. Probably yes, because no one can converse to most of them. Who knows, perhaps they can actually say sensible things but none or only a few of us have tried. I myself have never tried to talk to a “taong grasa.” I guess almost all of us don’t have the courage to go near or to even talk to them.

I don’t know but I’m mystified every time I see one strolling. Many questions keep popping inside my head as I observe him (I don't know how to address them so I will just use "he"). Why and how did he become like that? How does he survive? Where are his relatives? What are the things going through his mind? How does he feel at that very moment? I have no idea, where and how will I get the answers to my questions. The only thing I’m sure of is only few souls care about these people. Some don’t even dare to look at them. Some would even take their highest leap just to stay away. The men in position care least. I wonder if they are even included in their programs or reforms. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have never heard of a politician who spent his/her money or time for them. 

I am fully aware that I am not in the position to say things about you and other people because I am also guilty.

Let us accept it, that this is a growing social problem. And the question, will there ever be a solution to this social problem? Will there ever be a cure to their sickness? Or perhaps they are just there waiting for someone to knock and enter into their own world. Or they just need someone to pay them some special attention.

For now, I’ll just be contented in writing this article about the “taong grasa.” This is my own way of saying to a taong grasa “I feel you”.

Run Away!

I want to run away from all the adversities of this life. Leave all the anxieties and all the melancholies that seems to have never left me. I'm sick and tired of getting up every morning carrying the burden from my past. I want to go away and totally forget all the people who caused so much suffering not only to my physical or to my emotional side but also to the deepest part of my soul. I want to pour out all the emotions deep inside me, but as usual I couldn't. 'Coz I know no matter how I hard I try to explain no one, NO ONE will really understand.