The Beloved Prince

How is it that a prince of heaven would feel so low?

Behold, the man clothed in royal garments
A crown of gold was set on his head.
He bears the family name of his Father the King.
Yet he has forgotten.

Lies, yes lies from the father of lies.
And perhaps something deeper?
Buried beneath were untreated wounds
The scars of time long past.

Wounds self-inflicted, wounds inflicted by those he loved.
For he was pierced by regret and rejected by those he treasured.
In a fortress of fear, which high walls he erected,
The prince locked himself in cold darkness.

Open the floodgates! Tear down the walls!
See two streams flow freely and the scars heal wholly!
Rejection is cast out for before the King he stands
Embraced in love, emptied of fear.

What am I?

What am I?

A wight from the grave
Or a worm in the mire?
For I am awake yet dead,
Worthless, without a spine.

Day and night I lay down in defeat,
Strengthless to rise onto my feet.
Sleep sheltered me so deceptively
Till my eyes should open to reality.

Pleasure was my closest companion
She saw me through the night.
Inevitably the sun would rise
And all her love could not suffice.

Alas, what a beast I have become!
A disappointment both to friend and kin.
My prayer echoes that of Jabez
To bring blessing and not suffering.

Rising Sun

Seeing your face was like watching the morning sun rising in majesty, filling the skies with splendour and scattering all shadows with glory.

It is incredible how every frown smoothens into a gentle smile, how every burden lightens at the simple glance of your radiant face. Your overflowing joy shines through your clear bright eyes and your dazzling smile, lighting up every place your youthful feet bring you. The excited tone of your words and the innocence of your deeds invigorates me. Even after a year, I am still amazed.

Although we may never be together, your warmth friendship never fails to lift me up whenever I am downcast. Thank you, Sunflower.

Like Sinking Sand

A pebble. I picked it up and tapped it against my forehead. I wondered how Goliath felt when David drove one of these right through his cranium. Putting it down, I went to the kitchen and spotted a bottle of Italian olive oil. I started to imagine it crashing upon my head, sending shattered pieces of glass flying in all directions, dripping oil all over my hair and head. I turned to the left and my eyes were greeted by knives. I took a step back, and stopped my thoughts from sinking deeper.

I had tried to prove myself again and I had failed. Everyday was a struggle to leave the world of dreams to face the harshness of broken reality. My existence seemed to be merely a case study for others to learn where not to go wrong. The more I struggled, the deeper I sank, and fighting felt more pointless with each passing day.

His cold words still pierced my mind like frozen shards of ice, devoid of any empathic warmth. My failure would be unacceptable. I feared facing up to him. The wrestle to get up was long and hard, but finally I arose at noon.

However, deep down, I knew the seed of destiny was buried inside, and its shoots were about to surface. It is hard to believe that the best is still in store for me, but I must, for I know that He will never fail.

Fueled By Fire

The engine cranked to life; its slothful gears turned robust, spinning with strength, determination and fire. The fiery fuel of anger powered the pumping pistons, pounding furiously at my chest. Suddenly the weakness of the spiraling sadness subsided, replaced by a burning rage.

Why were his words so destructive, so skilfully sharpened and potently poisoned? His unbridled and untamed horses trampled freely upon my vulnerable heart, already bleeding from battles it had braved through.

But through this I have found a new source of strength: the fuel of fire. By its might I have broken through depression and become more fruitful. Yet I am wary of using it, for its volatility may as well consume my engine in fire.

Mario and Juliet (Part 2)

Part 2: Paradise

In a brief moment, a light dispelled the shadows. Mario was sitting gleefully besides Princess Peach on a large and long carriage. They were engaged in a lively conversation, with their eyes locked in a loving gaze. He talked about his life. She laughed. The world and its cares faded away as they dived deep into a sea of bliss.

He had no doubt that Princess Peach was an angel sent from the heavens - the most radiant of them all. Tall and ravishing, she stood out among other roses. Her face was set with glistening eyes, perfectly crowned with alluring eyelashes. When she smiled, her cheeks popped out in cheerful agreement, revealing twin dimples that he had grown to adore.

She was kindness manifest; none was tenderer than her, save his own mother. When he spoke, she listened with unbelievable attention. Most wonderfully, she loved him for who he was. She hopped through life with a childlike innocence, a virtue that matched her divine beauty.

How he longed to hold her hand! She too made no effort to hide her desire to be with him. Yet he did not ask her out on a date. He had vowed to remain single until his duties were finished. Besides, he would only have to wait for half a year. Nonetheless, time would test his love for her; a test in which he would soon falter.

Mario and Juliet (Part 1)

Part 1: Fool For Love

Princess Daisy did not love Mario. He knew that. Yet he tried to gain her love anyway. He lived on the hope that one day, she would change her mind.

He was ever ready to help her. At her call, he would run. In her need, he would be there. He would not mind being made use of by her, although she had not done so. He would do anything to please her, anything to be with her.

Conversing two sentences with her was a god-given gift; he thanked the heavens every time she spoke with him. Her words to him were like warm rays of the rising sun. So were her rejections like the chilling winds of winter.

He was a fool, he knew he was. But he was willing to be a fool for Princess Daisy. In his quest to gain her love, he lost himself. He lost who he was, he lost his first love. Darkness engulfed him and his life fell apart.

Why was he tormenting himself? He knew he should move on, but it was easier said than done. He wrestled the darkness within himself. At times, he valiantly fought for the truth. At darker times, deception prevailed. Nevertheless, no matter the state of his struggle, he would always recall Princess Peach.