I hibernated.
I didn’t sing in four years.
Thursday was my first.
e. industan
I was a member of a Bible College choir which toured in other Philippine provinces in the 70s and sang bass in a quartet. Besides the church choir, I also was a member of a Singing Christmas Tree, one December, in Port Arthur, Texas. Climbing up that 36-foot Christmas tree-shaped choir loft when all the lights were out; then suddenly hearing the “oh’s and ah” of the audience once the flashing colored tree lights were turned on, a second before we sang the first note of the Christmas cantata, was exhilarating.
However, I hibernated for four years like a ground squirrel at winter time. My love for singing was below normal heavily affected by the changing times. Praise God! I finally woke up.
This past Thursday, I opened my mouth again to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”. I signed in to join the Sanctuary Choir at Lake Avenue Church, the biggest church in Pasadena, California.
And surprised! It’s my first to know that past the church’s underground parking garage is the music department office where the choir rehearsals are held. For four years of regular attendance at Lake Avenue Church’s eleven o’clock Sunday service, I wasn’t aware of this.
I started to get nervous while I took the elevator down to the church basement. Mind you, I even stuck my name tag upside down without realizing it. Thanks to Richard, whose eyes was not only sharp enough to see those dotted quarter notes but also keen to see (and congenially corrected) the tag. The Sanctuary Choir has more than a hundred members, so imagine me intimidated. Nevertheless, I started to relax after the opening prayer, which was followed by muscle and voice stretching and constant “phonology” reminder- for us to enunciate the plosive bilabial /p/ and /b/, the velar /k/ and whatnot's- as the rehearsal went on. As if I was back in my phonology graduate course, but I loved it.
I know; God has blessed me with a voice fit for a choir; however, there were some unpleasant moments in my life that I wittingly withdrew from using it. A huge blow happened seven months ago, but it also was a turning point for me to hone the inherent talent that God has given me. I thank God for He patiently waited for me to sing praises again.
NOTE: Besides singing, God also has gifted me a talent in creative writing. My second book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses has just been released by Comfort Publishing. It is a gift book with 145 praise haiku verses, which can be ordered now on Comfort’s online store. Barnes and Noble bookstore also has announced that it will be carrying PRAISING… beginning March. Barnes and Noble is now accepting pre-orders. A discounted price of $8.99 is offered to bookstore’s subscribers. Surely, it is cheaper than a dozen roses and a better gift to people who needs affirmation that our God is still in control of everything, despite this time of trials and uncertainties.
Currently, I am working on the HEALING GARDEN OF VERSES, a collection of haiku and senryu verses, and pitching to a publisher my completed book project, BEDTIME-PASTIME: A Collection of Short Stories and Folktales.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
PRES. OBAMA'S INAUGURATION IN VERSE (Full transcript)
One-twenty-“O”-nine
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There was a throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President’s Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first “colored” US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. Your early exposure to different culture definitely makes you a caring, keen, well-rounded person.
I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; their behavior was very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulders. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history being made.”
I saw raise-the-roof made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world’s tumult.
Which party are you?
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with gusto.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s face.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
His Excellency, Barack Hussein Obama, American, full of zest and youthfulness, the 44th and the first “Colored” US President, loving husband to Michelle and a caring father to Malia (10) and Sasha (7), a God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
Then, the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
Truly, Ms. Elizabeth Alexander, this is my “Praise Song for the Day”.
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There was a throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President’s Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first “colored” US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. Your early exposure to different culture definitely makes you a caring, keen, well-rounded person.
I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; their behavior was very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulders. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history being made.”
I saw raise-the-roof made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world’s tumult.
Which party are you?
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with gusto.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s face.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
His Excellency, Barack Hussein Obama, American, full of zest and youthfulness, the 44th and the first “Colored” US President, loving husband to Michelle and a caring father to Malia (10) and Sasha (7), a God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
Then, the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
Truly, Ms. Elizabeth Alexander, this is my “Praise Song for the Day”.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PRES. OBAMA'S INAUGURATION IN VERSE (2nd & Last Installment)
Which party are you?
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with their instruments.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s picture.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
And President Barack Hussein Obama, American, the 44th US and the first “Colored” US President, and God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
And the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
By: Edmund Melig Industan
(c) 2009
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with their instruments.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s picture.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
And President Barack Hussein Obama, American, the 44th US and the first “Colored” US President, and God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
And the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
By: Edmund Melig Industan
(c) 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
PRES. OBAMA'S INAUGURATION IN VERSE
One-twenty-“O”-nine
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There were throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President's Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first colored US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. His early exposure to different culture definitely makes him a caring, keen, well-rounded man. I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; they’re behavior were very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulder. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history in the making.”
I saw raise-the-roof being made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world's tumult.
(c) Edmund Melig Industan, 2009
NOTE#1: 2nd installment to be posted tomorrow.
NOTE#2: A gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing's online store. Price is just $9.99, cheaper than a dozen roses and a very good gift to those needing comfort, encouragement, and affirmation that, despite uncertainties and challenges in life, God is still in control of everything.
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There were throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President's Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first colored US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. His early exposure to different culture definitely makes him a caring, keen, well-rounded man. I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; they’re behavior were very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulder. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history in the making.”
I saw raise-the-roof being made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world's tumult.
(c) Edmund Melig Industan, 2009
NOTE#1: 2nd installment to be posted tomorrow.
NOTE#2: A gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing's online store. Price is just $9.99, cheaper than a dozen roses and a very good gift to those needing comfort, encouragement, and affirmation that, despite uncertainties and challenges in life, God is still in control of everything.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Miracle on Hudson River
Flocks of geese flying
Frigid Hudson was waiting
Praise God, the plane lives.
e. industan
Yesterday, Jan. 15th, it was in the upper 70s in southern California but in the low 20s in New York. I sat comfortably on our couch hoping to watch my favorite after lunch tv program, The People’s Court. And I never regretted when “People’s” didn’t show up. My eyes were glued to Hudson River, the river that separates Jersey City and New York City. An airbus of US Airways, with 150 passengers and 5 airline crew landed safely in the river few minutes after it left La Guardia Airport, and the blue and red beaming vessels of the NYPD and Coast Guards, and a flotilla of water commuter ferries and water taxis were busy rescuing the passengers, many of them standing on the plane's wings. Everyone was reported safe; most were taken to hospitals for hypothermia and bruises. Thank God for the pilot, who stayed his cool as he made the emergency water landing; thank God, everyone was reported alive.
It was reported that the mishap might be caused by a large flock of Canadian geese sucked in by both engine. The big birds were too much for the engines to withstand.
The hybrid haiku was written to remember one of the coldest days in New York, the risk of flying when big birds are competing for air space, the smartness of the pilot and the crew, the immediate response of the water vessels, and, most importantly,God's miracle on Hudson.
Note: Want to read more praise haiku? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses has just been released by Comfort Publishing and can be purchased online. It’s is a collection of 145- praise haiku and is very good gift for those in need of affirmation that God is still in control of everything, despite uncertainties and challenges in life. Its $9.99 price is cheaper than a doz. roses and a better investment for eternity.
Frigid Hudson was waiting
Praise God, the plane lives.
e. industan
Yesterday, Jan. 15th, it was in the upper 70s in southern California but in the low 20s in New York. I sat comfortably on our couch hoping to watch my favorite after lunch tv program, The People’s Court. And I never regretted when “People’s” didn’t show up. My eyes were glued to Hudson River, the river that separates Jersey City and New York City. An airbus of US Airways, with 150 passengers and 5 airline crew landed safely in the river few minutes after it left La Guardia Airport, and the blue and red beaming vessels of the NYPD and Coast Guards, and a flotilla of water commuter ferries and water taxis were busy rescuing the passengers, many of them standing on the plane's wings. Everyone was reported safe; most were taken to hospitals for hypothermia and bruises. Thank God for the pilot, who stayed his cool as he made the emergency water landing; thank God, everyone was reported alive.
It was reported that the mishap might be caused by a large flock of Canadian geese sucked in by both engine. The big birds were too much for the engines to withstand.
The hybrid haiku was written to remember one of the coldest days in New York, the risk of flying when big birds are competing for air space, the smartness of the pilot and the crew, the immediate response of the water vessels, and, most importantly,God's miracle on Hudson.
Note: Want to read more praise haiku? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses has just been released by Comfort Publishing and can be purchased online. It’s is a collection of 145- praise haiku and is very good gift for those in need of affirmation that God is still in control of everything, despite uncertainties and challenges in life. Its $9.99 price is cheaper than a doz. roses and a better investment for eternity.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A HOPE IN GOD
Where can I turn to?
There’s rainbow after the rain.
Hope and promise giv’n.
With uncertainties in life, people ask on what to do and where to turn to to get by. Burglary, even bank holdups, has been on the rise. Recently, a TV news showed a clip of two guys demanding money from a carwash. Just this week, a Southern Californian TV reported that the business of fortune tellers is booming since the economic crunch. Last Sunday, our church announced a Job Search Meeting for members who have been downsized by their employers.
I never will forget a story I heard during my childhood. A child was crying continuously for he was hungry. Unfortunately, the family has nothing to give him. Like everybody else, their small farm was hit by a swarm of locust. There was very little left to eat. The father tried to calm the child down, but to no avail. Then, they heard a sound, "Wak! Wak! Wak!". (Wakwak is known to be a witch, who turns into a bird at nighttime to prey on human beings.)
The father said, "Keep quiet! There's a "wakwak" flying.
The child responded, "Catch it! I am going to eat it!"
People have the tendency to do anything to survive.
There were times I have thought of unpleasant things when I hit bottom. But I thank God that he always have been patient to show me the right way. Going back to God's Word, allowed me to remember how God used the rainbow to show his promise for a worldwide deluge not to happen again. He allowed me to see a ray of hope in Him. And I have a great faith that no matter what, God would never fail me.
I pray that you, too, will find hope in God. He is just a prayer away.
God bless you, my friend.
(NOTE: PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG, my newly published gift book which can be purchased through www.comfortpublishing.com, attests how God has been so good to me in time of need. May the book be a source of comfort and encouragement to others, especially this time of uncertainties.)
There’s rainbow after the rain.
Hope and promise giv’n.
With uncertainties in life, people ask on what to do and where to turn to to get by. Burglary, even bank holdups, has been on the rise. Recently, a TV news showed a clip of two guys demanding money from a carwash. Just this week, a Southern Californian TV reported that the business of fortune tellers is booming since the economic crunch. Last Sunday, our church announced a Job Search Meeting for members who have been downsized by their employers.
I never will forget a story I heard during my childhood. A child was crying continuously for he was hungry. Unfortunately, the family has nothing to give him. Like everybody else, their small farm was hit by a swarm of locust. There was very little left to eat. The father tried to calm the child down, but to no avail. Then, they heard a sound, "Wak! Wak! Wak!". (Wakwak is known to be a witch, who turns into a bird at nighttime to prey on human beings.)
The father said, "Keep quiet! There's a "wakwak" flying.
The child responded, "Catch it! I am going to eat it!"
People have the tendency to do anything to survive.
There were times I have thought of unpleasant things when I hit bottom. But I thank God that he always have been patient to show me the right way. Going back to God's Word, allowed me to remember how God used the rainbow to show his promise for a worldwide deluge not to happen again. He allowed me to see a ray of hope in Him. And I have a great faith that no matter what, God would never fail me.
I pray that you, too, will find hope in God. He is just a prayer away.
God bless you, my friend.
(NOTE: PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG, my newly published gift book which can be purchased through www.comfortpublishing.com, attests how God has been so good to me in time of need. May the book be a source of comfort and encouragement to others, especially this time of uncertainties.)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A NEW YEAR'S WISH
Hi guys,
Hope everyone is ready to go back to work. Here is a Ghazal verse for you. I have my name included in the last couplet, not only because traditional ghazal verse requires it, but also to remind me that I have to look forward for a better tomorrow and let bygones be bygones.
So, here it is. May you have a prosperous New Year.
A NEW YEAR FOR A NEW YOU
Winter’s here welcoming a new you.
Hoping that past year has not glued you.
Look forward for the new day rising…
Leaving behind… actions that screwed you.
Past, like a ghost, will keep on haunting.
Be careful! Do not let him chew you!
Strong will to nurse, a new babe to rise.
Act swiftly, don’t let Past subdue you.
Don’t get discourage; keep looking up.
Reaching the zenith is up to you.
Remember, Edmund, show the true you.
Shine forth! Let the New Year glow through you.
(c) edmund melig industan, 2008
NOTE: This ghazal is included in my upcoming book, THE EXPERIMENTAL DASANG (Hey Poems) and 45 OTHER POETRY FORMS.
Also, I really would appreciate it if you could get a copy of my newly published gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses at http://www.comfortpublishing.com
Hope everyone is ready to go back to work. Here is a Ghazal verse for you. I have my name included in the last couplet, not only because traditional ghazal verse requires it, but also to remind me that I have to look forward for a better tomorrow and let bygones be bygones.
So, here it is. May you have a prosperous New Year.
A NEW YEAR FOR A NEW YOU
Winter’s here welcoming a new you.
Hoping that past year has not glued you.
Look forward for the new day rising…
Leaving behind… actions that screwed you.
Past, like a ghost, will keep on haunting.
Be careful! Do not let him chew you!
Strong will to nurse, a new babe to rise.
Act swiftly, don’t let Past subdue you.
Don’t get discourage; keep looking up.
Reaching the zenith is up to you.
Remember, Edmund, show the true you.
Shine forth! Let the New Year glow through you.
(c) edmund melig industan, 2008
NOTE: This ghazal is included in my upcoming book, THE EXPERIMENTAL DASANG (Hey Poems) and 45 OTHER POETRY FORMS.
Also, I really would appreciate it if you could get a copy of my newly published gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses at http://www.comfortpublishing.com
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