ONE LAST RHYME

Armida C. Merciales

One last time for this last rhyme before it leads it out to the sea before we set ourselves free

Uncover your scarred face from the masks that you use Reveal your scarred wrists, even your bruise Unfold your heart like an origami crane Now, let it take flight, let all not be in vain Do not be drowned in your river of thoughts As for the battles, you have fought some, you may have lost but still, you survived Remind yourself, for you never died The wounds became scars, you just have to look The heart still beats despite the beats it took Heal yourself for no one could Love yourself even if no one would

For you are an oasis with the last drops of water and in the desert, that’s how much you matter Count your blessings, even the ones that hurt even the ones that put you at the worst Let me finish the words that still flows the time has come, so here it goes Heal yourself for no one could Love yourself even if no one would So, this is my last rhyme for you, just one last time one, two, three... Now, we set ourselves free.

PHOTO | ELIAZAR MARK E. PAZ