Tigil Yosi

what if
my nails turn yellow
& my lungs dissolve
& turn into ashes
will i writhe in pain
or continue puffing,
blowing white rings
till my eyes turn teary
& my breath smells like a sewer?

will i then quit smoking?

-- verse written to commemorate Earth Day 2009

Here's to You, Ida

My youngest daughter Ida has repeatedly asked me, "When are you going to do my portrait?" Well, Ms. Miranda Bituin, here's how I see you. This painting, "Miranda's Slippers," is part of "Summer Halo-Halo," the third exhibition of the tireless Baguio Aquarelle Society at Tam-awan Village Gallery, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City. Show runs till May 11. Other participating painters are: Roland Bay-an, Jenny Carino, Norman Chow, Merci Dulawan, Baboo Mondonedo, Toottee Pacis and Patric Palasi. Photo by ANDREW DULAWAN

An Aquarelle Rides Again

April's approach has not exactly been kind (I've not yet fully recovered from the assault of an intestinal virus, yes, a virus, not an egg or parasite). Despite the month's famed cruelty, I managed to steal three precious, unfettered hours for some gentle spiritual shampooing. Translation: I painted again despite pressing, more important deadlines.