IF IT’S TIME TO GO

a dream is calling you
you still can’t decide
don’t know what to do
there’s a struggle inside
you can’t move your feet
the weight is too much
your heart’s pounding
your mind’s out of touch

you want to look back
but there isn’t much time
got to move your feet
and start the climb
drowning in your tears
you can’t change your mind
nothing you can do
but to leave them behind

if it’s time to go
decide and walk away
if it’s time to go
don't wait another day

embracing uncertainty
going to a distant land
not knowing if everything
would have to go as planned
the future’s unclear
you’re blinded by doubts
if you can’t decide
you might lose the bout

it’s agonizing but
you have to go through this
of course there are faces
that you’re going to miss
but if it’s your time to go
there’s nothing you can do
but to hold on to a dream
that it’s not only for you

if it’s time to go
forget time and space
if it’s time to go
move to find the right place

if it’s your time to go
there’s nothing you can do
but to accept the fate
that’s only meant for you

RMP
6/28/2013

BAKIT KO KAILANGANG MAGSULAT?

mahirap ang magpanggap
kung puno ang ang iyong dibdib
ng mga damdaming
umaagos ang pananabik
nababawasan man
subalit laging may dagdag
ang daloy ng inspirasyon
ay nakababagabag

kailangang isulat
mga nilalaman
ng pusong balisa
at malikot na isipan
walang pinipiling oras
kahit nasaan man
dapat maisilang
ang nararamdaman

di matatahimik
laging may laman ang isip
kahit diwa’y gising
maging sa panaginip
ang mga titik
kapag nagtipon tipon
di kayang ipagpaliban
mga pagkakataon

hanggang may nakikita
at may naririnig
di mapipigilan
ang pakikipagniig
ng titik sa damdamin
hanggang sa mabuo
ang nilikhang katha
na hinulma sa puso

magkakaroon ng buhay
ang nabuong tula
buhay na kailanman
ay di mawawala
magbunga man ng tuwa
o malalim na sugat
di kailanman ako titigil
sa aking pagsusulat


RMP
6/24/2013

SHOOTER

binuksan ang zipper
instrumento’y inilabas
nang maitaas
bahagyang hinimas
sinipat mabuti
katawan ay inadjust
instrumentong gamit
alaga sa punas.

inayos ang kwarto
tinimpla ang liwanag
kurtina’y inayos
upang harangin ang sinag
pwesto’y inayos
sinigurado ang posisyon
maya maya pa’y
nagbigay na ng instruction.

galaw galaw
ang sabi sa modelo
change position
para ganahan ako
ganyan nga ganyan nga
isa pa isa pa
ang sarap tingnan
mga labing mapupula.

diliman natin
para mas romantic
wag mag-alala
flash ko ay automatic
pagputok nito
sasabog ang ngiti mo
ikaw rin ang hihiling
na ulitin natin ito.

matapos ang session
instrumento’y ipinasok
zipper ay sinara
humikab inantok
kailangan ko munang
humiga at magpahinga
sapagkat bukas
marami pang magpapakuha.


RMP
7/13/2009

DOBLE KARA

ang gandang basahin akala mo totoo
magandang pakinggan pero nakalilito
ayos mag-usap sa loob ng kuwarto
pag labas naman hipokrita’t hipokrito

kagalingan daw ng lahat ang pinag-uusapan
panay din lang naman ang pagpapagalingan
habang dumadaldal at nagpapasarap
ang mga nasa babaý kayod sa paghihirap

puno ng pagpapanggap ang mga pag-uusap
nakabibingi ang bawat halakhak
napaka ideal ng mga sinusulat
pero sa katotohanan ay salat na salat

gusto raw ng pagbabago panay naman ang bow
gusto ng kalinisan puno naman ng langaw
pagbabago sa bibig status quo sa gawa
paano ang pagbabago kung ngawa tayo ng ngawa

RMP
April 2005

MITING

kinopya pinagtatalunan
ginugulo mga isipan
kanya-kanyang tingin
iba-ibang damdamin
di malinaw di matiyak
malabo ang binabalak
marami ang inaantok
sa isipan walang maimpok

oras ay nasasayang
talagang nakapanghihinayang
basa, daldal panay ang buklat
galing ng isipaý di nasasalat
pag ganito nang ganito
saan kaya patutungo
ang mga pagtatalo
ng mga isipang sinto-sinto?

ang sistema
ay batay sa ideolohiya
kung ano ang paniniwala
iyon ang magagawa
kung ang gusto
lagi ng Hari
ay ang manghati
upang makapaghari
ang kalidad
ng institusyon
ang siyang
laging magagapi.


RMP
April 2005

KONTRADIKSIYON

masalimuot ang galaw nitong aking mundo
habang puno pa rin ng galit ang damdamin ko
gulo ang nakikita kahit saan man mapadako
laging nagtatanong may hangganan ba ito?

may mga pinuntahan kaliwa, gitna at kanan
mga sinamahan may nakaaway at nakaibigan
nagsaya, nalungkot at napasabak sa gulo
nanggamit, nagpagamit,nanggago’t ginago.

nais ko sanang makita ang nakikita mo
ayaw ko nang matanaw larawang makamundo
iparamdam mo sa akin ang kaalamang sapat
paano ba ako magiging karapat-dapat?

nais kong magbago, nais kong lumaya
nais kong bumangon sa pagkakadapa
handa na akong makita ang dapat kong gawin
dala mong himala handa ko nang tanggapin.

RMP
7-1-06
revised 11/25/16
Winnipeg MB Canada

INEKWALIDAD

sa’yo ang tuktok, sa amin ang ibaba
sa’yo ang langit, sa amin ang lupa
sa’yo ang ginto, sa amin ang tanso
sa’yo ang tagumpay, sa amin ang siphayo.

ikaw ang tama, kami lagi ang mali
ikaw ang sigurado, kami’y nagbabakasakali
sa’yo ang salita, sa amin ang pakikinig
sa’yo ang kama, sa amin ang banig.

ikaw ay may laya, kami ay walang-wala
ikaw ay mayaman kami nama’y dukha
aso mo’y kumakain, sikmura namin ay bitin
ika’y nasa liwanag, kami’y nasa dilim.

ikaw ang hari, kami ang alipin
sa’yo ang biyaya, sa amin ang pasanin
sa’yo ang koleksiyon, sa amin ang bayarin
sa’yo ang laman, ang buto ay sa amin.

ika’y sa harapan, kami naman sa likuran
pati ba naman sa loob ng simbahan?
sa’yo ang espesyal, sa amin ang regular
pati ba naman binyagan at kasal?

sa’yo ang ani, amin ang pagtatanim
ikaw ang nabubusog, kami ang taga-tikim
sa’yo ang tubo, ang hirap ay sa amin
sa’yo ang milagro, sa amin ang lagim.

sa’yo ang kalabit, sa amin ang tama
sa bawat punglo may ibabaon sa lupa
sa’yo ang halakhak, sa amin ang pagluha
sa’yo ang pananakot, sa’yo ang pagbabanta.

sa’yo ang ngayon, sa amin naman ang bukas
darating din ang panahon ng pag-aaklas
ang lakas mo’y sasagutin ng pinagsama naming lakas
armas mo’y haharapin ng hawak din naming armas.

kami ang alipin, ikaw ang panginoon
babaligtarin namin ang ganitong sitwasyon.

RMP
2007

TALUDTURAN NG KAMATAYAN

nakapanlulumo
ang pagdanak ng dugo
nakapangingilabot
ang paglaganap ng takot
nakasisindak
kahit na may gayak
ang mga biktimang
ibinaon sa lusak

kamatayan
katapusan ka na ba?
O mandin ay hudyat
ng ganap na paglaya?

parusa ba o pag-asa?
parusa ba o pag-asa?

iisa lang ang buhay
lahat tayo’y mamamatay
marami ang landas
iisa ang wakas
kamatayan! kamatayan!
magsisilbing batas
pagkakapantay-pantay
anuman ang antas

RMP
1995

INSPIRASYON

handog mo’y pag-asa sa pusong nagdurusa
ang liwanag mong taglay biyaya ng umaga
panibagong lakas laban sa pagdurusa
ang taos na alay mo at laging dala-dala.

ang isang pusong nabubuhay sa dilim
na bihag ng poot na nag-uumigting
ay sumasandig sa dalanging taimtim
sa sandaling sinag mo’y magningning.

wangis mo ay yamang walang hangganan
talagang kaakit-akit ang iyong katauhan
pantanggal pasakit ka kahit na kaninuman
ganyan ka inspirasyon, tunay kang kaibigan.

inspirasyon, nababalot ka ng hiwaga
dulot mo’y tagumpay sa bawat pakikibaka
pagpapala ang lagi mong ipinupunla
kaya panalangin ko’y huwag kang mawawala.

RMP
1993

SANDIGAN

sa malalim na pagsusuri ganap na malalaman
kung ang isang hangari’y dapat na ipaglaban
ngunit kung laging mananaig ay pag-aalinlanagan
anumang binabalak tiyak walang hahantungan.

kapag puso ang humusga may katahimikan
kapariwaraan nama’y bunga ng kapusukan
di makapal na bulsa at palalong isipan
kundi katapatan ang tunay na sandigan.

katapatan sa sarili ang makapagpapalaya
sa isang damdaming gapos ng tanikala
puso ang sandigan ng tapat na diwa
kaya sa pagtatago walang mapapala.

pag-ibig man sa tao, prinsipyo o Inang bayan
ang ibig itaguyod, ang nais ipaglaban
makakamit lamang ang katagumpayan
kung katotohanan ang gamit na sandigan.

ngunit kung ugaling ahas ang laman ng dibdib
at panlilinlang ang kalaguyo ng isip
kamandag ang lalason sa pag-iisang dibdib
kataksilan ang kikitil sa kalayaang iniibig.

RMP
1993

YUGTO NG BUHAY

ang punla ay naglakbay sa lagusan ng buhay
at kusang yumakap sa naghihintay na kabiyak
bubuuin ng panahon ang bawat bahagi
aarugain ang buhay sinapupunan ang saksi.

bibilis at dadalas ang bawat paggalaw
simbilis ng takbo ng gabi at araw
hanggang sa dumating ang araw na takda
kaya tinitiyak bawat paghahanda.

bawat yugto ng buhay ay yugto ng digmaan
bawat karanasan armas sa pakikipaglaban.

humihilab ang sakit, madugo at mapanganib
takot ay nakahihigit sa anumang pananabik
pawis, luha at ang sigaw na maririnig
hudyat ng pakikipaglaban mailuwal lang ang iniibig.

at kapalit ng sigaw ay katahimikan
na babasagin ng iyak ng kagalakan
ito ang hudyat sa ikalawang yugto
ang pagpapalakas, ang pagpapalago.

ang pagtitipon ng mga bagong karanasan
upang maging handa sa tutunguhing daan
ang pagtitipon ng lakas nang maihanda puso’t isipan
tungo sa masalimuot na landas ng ating lipunan.

RMP
(December 15, 1998)

KARLA ENGELA

ang una mong iyak na tanda ng pagharap
sa mundong kaygulo at salat sa liwanag
ang aming narinig na pangunahing hudyat
na bagama’t munti sa puso’y bumabakat.

ang katawan mong hubad na salat pa sa lakas
ang sa aming paningi’y unang tumambad
sa tagpong ito nasabi namin, “anak,
lumaki ka sanang matwid kahit na buhay ay payak”.

nang aming hawakan mumunti mong mga palad
na walang kamalay-malay sa maaaring maganap
aming panalangi’y sana’y maging sapat
ang taglay mong lakas para sa hinaharap.

magkahalong tuwa’t lungkot ang aming nadama
nang aming pagmasdan ang iyong mga mata
pagkat kahit na nais namin na maimulat ka
may mga bagay na hindi mo sana dapat makita.

subalit katotohana’y dapat na harapin
tulad ng umaga pagkatapos ng dilim
tulad ng inakay na aalis sa piling
ng inang ibon upang subukin ang sariling galing.

panahon ay uusad, ang panahon ay darating
na gaganap ka sa ‘yong mga sariling tungkulin
kaya sa bawat hakbang mo aming sisikapin
na maihanda ka sa tamang landasin.

unti-unti, dahan-dahan subalit nararapat
ang paraang gagamitin para sa ‘yong hinaharap
nang matuto kang lumaban kapag may paghihirap
at magpakumbaba kung kaginhawahan ay ganap.

walang pamimilit, walang halong pag-iimbot
pagpapasiya mo’y di huhulmahin sa takot
di ka namin ipagmamaramot
sa halip sa Diyos at bayan ika’y ihahandog.

handog ka ng Maykapal upang pagyamanin
busugin ng pagmamahal wala man sa aming piling
bigyan ng liwanag na gagabay sa dilim
turuan ng tama habang ginagawa namin.

kung mayroon man kaming mga kahilingan
na sa iyong paglaki sana’y magkaroon ng katuparan
ituwid mo anak ang mga kamalian
ng aming salinlahing binulag ng kasalanan.

RMP
(January 1994)

PARA BANG KAILAN LANG (Para Kay Mhao)

habang ika’y nahihimbing akin kang pinagmasdan
sabay wika sa sariling,”Para bang kailan lang”,
nang ika’y iluwal, sa mundo ay isilang
parang bang kailan lang … para bang kailan lang …..

kaybilis ng panahon, kayrami ng pagbabago
kaytulin ng takbo nitong ating mundo
para bang kailan lang mga unang halik ko
sa mga mumunti’t murang palad mo.

para bang kailan lang
unti-unti, dahan-dahan.
para bang kailan lang
unti-unti, dahan-dahan.

at pagsapit ng umaga ika'y magigising
mga mata’y magmumulat mula sa pagkakahimbing
samu’t saring mga bagay ang iyong gagawin
para bang kailan lang nang una kang kalungin.

maliit na kay kulit, malungkot pag may sakit
tuwa sa bawat katagang sinasambit
para bang kailan lang unang pagkakalapit
ngayo’y bukambibig na ang tanong na BAKIT.

para bang kailan lang
unti-unting tumatapang
para bang kailan lang
unti-unting lumalaban.

kaya anak humanda saan man paroroon
pagkatao’y huhulmahin ng mga kontradiksiyon
pagkat may panawagan ang bawat panahon
may pakikibaka sa bawat henerasyon.

at ang mga ito ang magmumulat
sa iyong murang kaisipan
ito ang maghahatid sa iyo sa mga sangandaan
kaya sana tunguhin mo ang landas ng katotohanan
kahit na mahirapan, kahit na masaktan.

para bang kailan lang
ngayo’y hanap ang kalayaan.
marating mo sana
ang di namin napuntahan.

RMP
12-10-98

INUTIL

nilamon
ng
kadiliman
ang
liwanag
ng
karunungan
at
iniluwa
sa
karagatan
ng
pagsasawalang-bahala
upang
ipadpad
lamang
sa
isla
ng
kamatayan.

RMP
1996

ANG PAGLALAKBAY

masukal ang kagubatan
masalimuot ang daan
kayrami ng mga hadlang
kaylayo pa ng kabihasnan.
naglalakbay araw at gabi
may humahabol, may sumasaksi
may naririnig, may sinasabi
may itinatapon, may itinatabi.

namimili ang isip
habang napapagod ang dibdib
bakas lagi ang panganib
sa kapaligirang liblib.
hanggang saan aabot ang lakas?
gaano katagal inaasam na bukas?
kailangan bang maging isang pantas
upang matagpuan ang tunay na landas?

lakad! takbo! ‘wag masisindak
gawing sandigan ang gabay na hawak
‘wag katitiwala sa ginagalugad
tandaan sa gubat maraming makamandag.
pag nadapa …….. bumangon!
pag nahulog ……. umahon!
‘wag nang magpalingon-lingon
nang di maaksaya hawak na panahon.

magkakasama tayo sa paglalakbay
iisa ang hangarin, iisa ang palagay
bigkis ang damdamin habang kapit –kamay
iisang hangarin ang tinataglay.
walang hanggang kapayapaan
para sa buong sanlibutan
pag-asang tunay sa kabihasnan
na katotohanan ang siyang nasa luklukan.

RMP
1994

SIMPLE LANG NAMAN

kung ano ang iniisip siyang maaring gawin
kung ano ang binalak siyang sasapitin
kung ano ang inipon siya nating hahakutin
kung ano ang itinanim siya nating aanihin.

simple lang naman ang batas ng kalikasan
kung ano ang pinili siyang kasasapitan
sa bawat kalayaan mayroong nakalaan
biyaya sa tama, pasanin sa kamalian.

kung ano ang isinalin siyang nilalaman
kung ano ang adhikain siyang ipaglalaban
kung ano ang pinaghirapan siyang dapat kabayaran
kung ano ang kasalanan siyang kaparusahan.

simple lang naman ang batas ng Panginoon
kung ano ang pinili siyang maiipon
bawat kalayaan may kasasadlakan
kaligtasan o walang hanggang kamatayan.

kung ano ang puno siyang magiging bunga
kung ano ang isinubo siyang amoy ng hininga
kung ano ang prinsipyo siyang pakikibaka
kung ano ang paniniwala siyang konsensiya.

kaya mamili na, kanan ba o kaliwa
walang kaligtasan sa pananatili sa gitna
dilim o liwanag, init o lamig
sa Diyos ng kamunduhan o sa Diyos ng pag-ibig.

simple lang naman ang mukha ng katotohanan
nasa ating mga kamay ang ating kapalaran
kaya kung ano ang ating ipinunla
huwag pagtakhan anuman ang mapala.

RMP
4-29-00

BIKTIMA

libong salita
libong pangako
dami nang biktima
dami nang ipinako
lahat umaasa
sa biyayang dala-dala
kaligtasan daw
sa mga pagkakasala

dasal, basbas
para sa kaligtasan
dalang pangako
buhay na walang hanggan
mundoý itakwil
yakapin ang totoo
ibigay ang tiwala
nang maligtas sa impiyerno

kami ang tunay
kami ang daan
wag kalimutan
tradisyong kinagisnan
isakripisyo mo
pag-aari’t karapatan
nang mapasaiyo
buhay na walang hanggan

libong salita
milyon ang biktima
ilan ang yumayaman
marami ang nagdurusa
diyos ang bukambibig
diyos ang ginagamit
ang mga biktima
amen lagi ang sambit

RMP
7-01-06

TAONG GRASA

nagsasalita kahit na nag-iisa
kumakain ng galing sa basura
palakad-lakad sa mga kalsada
di tiyak kung saan mapupunta.

buhok na marumi ay dikit-dikit
buong katawa’y pagkalagkit-lagkit
damit na suot ay gula-gulanit
tulad ng kanyang isipang punit-punit.

nabaliw marahil dahil sa sakit
o sa dikta ng kapalarang kaylupit
hagupit ng mga bisyong pilipit
o bunga ng kabiguang kaypait.

at sarili’y ipinako
kay kamatayan ay nakikipaglaro
kaluluwa ay ibinilanggo
sa isipang naging sinto-sinto.

RMP
1999

TEKNO STRESS

mabilis ang takbo
araw-araw may bago
di magkamayaw
di makuntento
sa dami ng nakikita
maraming pagpipilian
kahit saan tumingin
kaliwa, gitna o kanan

pindot sa keyboard
pindot sa keypad
click sa mouse
panay ang touch sa iPad
anong latest sa FB,
at trending sa tweeter ngayon?
laging tayong nakabantay
laging nag-iipon

kailangang humabol
kailangang makasunod
di kailangang mahuli
kailangang magpatianod
sa agos ng teknolohiya
sa dikta ng pagbabago
kahit hindi angkop
sa pangangailangan mo

hirap ang katawan
nalilito ang isipan
alin ang uunahin?
ano ang titingnan?
tekno stress ang tawag
sa sitwasyon natin ngayon
sitwasyong dala-dala
ng makabagong henerasyon

RMP
Revised 11-25-11

PULUBI (isang pagsasalin)

pulubi
ang tawag
sa akin
ng lipunan
isang singaw
isang parasito
subalit
ano ang
maitatawag mo
sa uri
ng lipunang
naglugmok
sa akin
sa ganitong
kalagayan?

RMP
1993

NAAALALA MO PA BA?

naaalala mo pa ba
mga unang halik at yakap
nang una tayong maglakbay
patungo sa mga ulap
nang tayo’y magtampisaw
sa mapanuksong dagat
nang tayo’y magkaisang
ibigay na ang lahat.

naaalala mo pa ba
mga yakap ng pananabik
ang nag-aalab na damdamin
sa bawat haplos at halik
ang pabilis na pabilis
na tibok ng ating mga dibdib
hanggang sa sumabog
ang pinipigil na pag-ibig.

naaalala mo pa ba
magkasamang pamamahinga
magkahawak ang mga kamay
habang nagpapantasya
naaalala mo pa ba
bawat araw ng pagkikita
at ang bawat gabi
na di tayo magkasama.

sana ay sariwa pa
ang lahat ng mga ito
sana ay buhay pa
sa puso’t isipan mo
sana’y ako pa rin
ang pinanabikan mo
sapagkat kung hindi
pareho na lang tayo.

RMP
3-25-99

KUNG KAILAN…DI KO PA ALAM

marami akong nais sabihin
subalit wala akong lakas
tiwala sa sarili
unti-unting naaagnas
pinipilit kong limutin
idinulot na sakit
subalit makapangyarihan
dikta ng puso at isip

may digmaang nagaganap
may mukhang nagpapanggap
damdami’y naghahanap
sa kasagutang napakailap.
kailan ako makalalaya
sa bilangguang ito?
kailan ko matatagpuan
nawawalang piraso?

kung kailan … di ko pa alam
kung kailan … di ko pa alam

tiwala ay dinurog
ng mga pagtatakip
pagkukunwari ang siyang
naging tagasagip
luha’t pagsusumamo
ang nagsilbing kalasag
upang gapos ng sakit
unti-unti mong makalag.

ngunit katahimika’y
daglia’t pansamantala
kirot ay nagbabalik
sa bawat sulyap ng alaala
langit ay didilim
ang ulan ay bubuhos
ang paghihinagpis ng puso
kailan kaya matatapos?

kung kailan … di ko pa alam
kung kailan … di ko pa alam

RMP
1-14-03

POSPORO

matapos mong ilabas
ako’y iyong hinawakan
tanging layunin mo
na ikaw ay mainitan
ang mapula kong ulo
ay ikiniskis mo
hanggang sa mag-init
at magliyab ako

di ka nasiyahan
nang apoy ko ay namatay
kaya  naghanap ng iba
ang iyong mga kamay
at nang makakuha
naglaro ka ng apoy
At sa bawat pagkakapaso
Ikaw ay nananaghoy

RMP
1992

I CAN’T ASK FOR MORE

i want to hold your hand
i want to touch your face
i want to kiss your lips
and feel your warm embrace.
i want to hold you closer
and feel your body next to mine
i want to enter your world
but there's a dividing line.

i cannot ask for more
your love is enough for me.
i cannot ask for more
your love has set me free.

there's nothing I can do
but to make this simple prayer
that fate may somehow
put us both together
to a place, to a time
that is only meant for us
to build our dreams together
and share a love that surely lasts.

let me hold your hand
let me touch your face
let me kiss your lips
let me feel your warm embrace.
move your body close to me
let me feel your heartbeat
let us share this time, this space
for our souls and hearts to meet

RMP
5/1993

THE CHOICE

i’ve made a choice twelve years ago
you’ve made the same decision too
to build our lives together
and make our dreams come true.
during that very precious moment
we’ve made our sacred vow
to take our journey together
anytime, anywhere, anyhow

but life’s a narrow road
our journey won’t be that easy
there would always be changes
that will challenge our sanity
we’ll be tempted to compare
our present from that of the past
we will always be tested
if our love would surely last

so let’s continue our journey
taking it one day at a time
let us leave the past alone
so our present will be in rhyme
with our dreams for the future
with our dreams for our family
that we may stay together
for all time and all eternity.

RMP
2/2005

I WILL ALWAYS FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU

yesterday I was in doubt
but I am certain today
before I was confused
now, I've already found the way
i've already found the answers
to all the questions of my heart
the dying inspiration
has finally found its missing part

i will always fall in love with you
this is what I really feel
i will always fall in love with you
this time I know it's real.

here I am right now
ready to face life once again
i've overcome my fears
free from the lion's den
the raging storm is over
the clouds of doubts are gone
and here I am with you
picking up the pieces one by one

it's wonderful to be in love
it's wonderful to feel this way
it's even nicer to show this
in whatever do and say
it's wonderful to be free
it's wonderful to be with you
'cause there's nothing can replace
what I really feel for you.

i won't expect too much
from what you really feel
'cause life is accepting
what is not and what is real
but I know that my dream
has already come true
i know that within your heart
you feel the same way too.

RMP
2/1999

JUST WANT TO BE WITH YOU TONIGHT

i don't want to think of anything
except thinking of you
i just want to hold you close
and hear your points of view
i don't care for what will happen
tomorrow, next month or next year
i just want to be with you
i just want to hold you near.

i just want to be with you
i know the time is right
i just want to be with you
just want to be with you tonight.

the world may sink tomorrow
revolution may reach its height
but there's only a thing I want
that's to be with you tonight
i want to spend my time with you
for I know the time is right
i can't fight the feeling any longer
i just want to be with you tonight.

RMP
2/14/1998

SUDDEN CHANGE

you were nursing a broken heart
when I suddenly crossed your path
i offered myself and said,
“i’d help you forget your past”
you have accepted me
and even made me as a friend
you never had a second thought
when I offered you my hand

i was keeping an angry heart
that very same time
i was about to commit
my very first serious crime
but when you gave your heart to me
suddenly I’ve found the range
and as we’ve shed our tears
we’ve felt there was a sudden change

no more angry feelings
no more broken hearts
now that we’ve found each other
we’ll make a brand new start
it’s the two of us all the way
from now until the end
we’ll build our lives together
by taking each other’s hand

RMP
1992

SINKING SHIP

you’re always there
i’m the one who moves away
no matter what you do
i’ll still do it my way
i am so stubborn
i always procrastinate
you want to save me but
i’m the one losing the faith

i’m losing time
i’m losing the grip
i can no longer control
my drifting unguided ship

you have shown me the sign
gave me the right direction
but I still choose my way
though it’s full of confusion
i don’t listen
i still ignore your voice
until I found myself
a victim of my wrongful choice

i’m losing time
i’m losing the grip
i can no longer control
my drifting unguided ship

i fell a lot of times
you’re always there to pick me up
but I still do not listen
when you tell me when to stop
you gave me freedom
but my choice imprisons me
you’ve opened my eyes
but still I cannot see

i’m losing time
i’m losing the grip
oh God! Please help me
save this sinking ship.

RMP
6/28/06

IT’S NOT YET TOO LATE

lines on their faces
showing all the years
no signs of regrets
despite all the pains and tears
the hands that rocked the cradle
the arms that carried us
they've never grown tired
in spite of their struggles in the past

the sparkles in their eyes
remove our doubts and fears
they watch us unceasingly
all throughout the years
their stories have brought us all
to worlds of dreams and fantasies
the time they've spent with us
has filled our lives with memories

it’s not yet too late
we can still let them feel
that they are loved and cherished
and prayed for when we kneel

a journey without an end
this is what we are to them
the most beautiful creation
a priceless kind of gem
a token from above
to nurture and to protect
they raised us unselfishly
rewards they don't expect

the time will come
their journey will come to end
we’ll be left behind
with our own time to spend
with those whom we love
with those whom we cared for
they will leave this world
without asking for more

it’s not yet too late
we can still let them feel
that they are loved and cherished
and prayed for when we kneel

RMP
July 18, 2009
Edited 5/12/2013

WHAT REALLY MATTERS MOST

"Don't worry if all the candles in the world flicker and die. We have the sparks that starts the fire." Rumi

it isn't the number of years
but how we'd been together
it isn't the length of time
but the mem'ries we put together
it isn't what others may think
but the desires within our hearts
what really matters most
is how we share our parts

it isn't the number of songs
but the kind of songs we do
it isn't the sight that matters
but our kind of point of view
it isn't the money in our pockets
but the treasure within our souls
it isn't the cost of our future
but how we fulfill our goals

it isn't where we live
but the way we live our lives
it isn't the strength of the waves
but how we swim against the tides
it isn't our freedom alone
but the struggle to fight for it
it isn't the fight itself
but our promise not to quit

RMP

First written in 1993

Revised 11-27-00

BLANK PAGE

i stare at a blank page while the music goes on
waiting for at least a spark of inspiration
my hands on the keyboard finding the right letters
i’ve to write something and it will make me feel better

encode, erase, delete, edit and encode again
this is much better than manually using a pen
letters become words and words become a line
all I need now is to put all these lines in rhyme

it begins to make sense now a new creation will be made
i’ve to act quickly before the inspiration starts to fade
few moments from now imprisoned feelings will be freed
emotions will be expressed and I will satisfy a need

each blink of the cursor is a call to continue
the melody of the song whispers the proper cue
the page is no longer blank the inspiration is there
all I need is to put all the right words together.

it’s almost finished three more lines and it’s done
it’s exciting because finally the boredom is gone
i’ll do this more often because what I compose is me
and blank pages are here to set my feelings free

RMP
revised January 4,2012

FROM DEEP WITHIN

life’s a cycle
nothing stays the same
existence’s a venue
where we play our games
we win, we lose
we submit, we fight
perception dictates
what’s wrong and what’s right

voices surround us
urging us to make a choice
the eyes of vanity lead us
to the land of costly toys
chances in, chances out
curses built from inside
light against darkness
forces within collide

from deep within
a battle rages on
a voice within calls
we have to move on

smiles are deceiving
contentment’s hypocrisy
the real driving force
is insatiability
we get one, we get more
we get no matter what it takes
whenever there is space
we’ll never hit the break

from deep within
a battle rages on
a voice within calls
we have to carry on

from deep within
a battle rages on
a voice within calls
we all have to move on

RMP
July 17, 2009

HOPELESS

i see you everyday
but there’s nothing I can do
i’ve to be contented
with just looking at you
i don’t know your name
you don’t know I exist
all I know is your face
and this feeling I can’t resist

it’s hopeless
it’s endless
you’re just a dream
within my emptiness

i see you everywhere
but there’s nothing I can say
when I look at you
you look the other way
you smile, you talk
you do a lot of things
i am here all alone
drowning inside this feeling

it’s hopeless
it’s endless
you’re light years away
it’s hopeless
it’s senseless
you’ll never cross my way

RMP
6/28/06

TIME WILL SET ME FREE

caught up in the crossroads
of life's ups and downs
i want to move forward
and leave this part of town
i need a better place
to make a brand new start
and let times’ healing process
bring peace within my heart

i know it won't be easy
'cause I've to overcome the pain
it’s a long and difficult battle
before I can finally regain
the strength, the inner peace
that resides within me
i know it's tough but I'm sure
time will set me free

memories will remain
there are pictures that I still see
and there are also reasons
which I have to make myself agree
but no matter what it takes
though how hard this fight might be
i know I'll find the way
'cause time will set me free


RMP
7-8-2000

CALLING YOUR NAME

it’s already late at night
but I'm still calling a name
the night grows colder
the breeze isn't the same
my soul is wandering
in the darkness of the night
there's an inner struggle
i know I just can't fight

it's already late at night
i still can't fall asleep
i cannot bear the pain
of the wound that I still keep
the pain's excruciating
all I wanted is to shout
in the darkness of the night
i'm still fighting a doubt

the night is telling me
that there is something wrong
'cause at this very moment
i am here all alone
but when I think of you
and the promises you've made
the struggle within me
slowly starts to fade

tomorrow would still come
the darkness will be gone
this night is just a test
tomorrow I'll see the sun
and though this cruel test
may always remain the same
in the darkness of the night
i'll forever call your name

RMP
(11-28-00)

COWARD

his
voice
thunders
but
his
soul
trembles
like
a
frightened
child

RMP
1994

THE ROAD TO FREEDOM

every time I watch each sunset
i'm reminded of what I've done
for there are things I cannot change
i know what's gone is gone
wasted time never comes back
this is a reality
no matter how much I try
it will never come back to me

life has to go on
though how painful it may be
i have to bear the pain
of a scarred and wounded body
renewal starts within
before it shows itself
so with the seed of faith
i've to nurture it myself

an inch of a chance
is worth a mile of life
but an inch of regret
kills like a deadly knife
sunsets are not forever
for the sun shines everyday
i can still be free
i can still find the way

new rays of hope
will enable me to dream
i know I'll quench my thirst
when I finally found the stream
and things will be different
my outlook won't be the same
i'll find the road to freedom
guided by God’s Holy Name

RMP
(11- 27- 2000)

Edited 4/17/2014

HOMECOMING

when I left you
i didn’t know where to go
life became confusing
i’ve been moving to and fro
there was no direction
i just went with the flow
until I found myself
saying I should have said no

excuse became a shield
to hide the guilt and remorse
freedom became a victim
of a deviating course
the cycle continued
it seemed there was no end
no matter what I do
i can’t clean my sinful hand

i know you’re still there
hoping for me to learn
you have reserved a space
waiting for my return
i know it won’t be easy
but you’ll help me find the way
to go back home to you
and to finally stay

RMP
April 2004

EVERYTIME I CLOSE MY EYES

everytime I close my eyes
i always see your face
i feel you right here next to me
there's no time, there's no space.
everytime I close my eyes
there's tranquility
everytime I close my eyes
i feel your hands touching me

everytime I close my eyes
i know you’re here with me
everytime I close my eyes
i know you’re here with me

light in darkness
this is what I see
a voice in silence
gently inspiring me
your mercy, your sacrifice
the truth in your eyes
all these I see
everytime I close my eyes

everytime I close my eyes
i always see your face
everytime I close my eyes
you fill my empty space

RMP
March 2005

A SIMPLE SONG

there’s no freedom in pretending
no hope on senseless reasons
and since I profess the truth
i made this simple song

i am no songwriter but a slave to my pen
who follows its dictates again and again
i am not a man full of riches and fame
but I live in the light of a life without shame

this simple piece
is dedicated to you
I feel that you belong
among the chosen few
and with these words I’ve written
i want let you know
whatever you might feel
my ink won’t stop to flow

your smiles and simple ways will always be a part
of every song I’ll make from deep within my heart
and with this view at last I’ve found how to be free
and that’s to turn into songs all the beauties that I see

this simple piece
is dedicated to you
I feel that you belong
among the chosen few
and with these words I’ve written
i want let you know
whatever you might feel
my love won’t stop to grow

RMP
(March 17, 1992)

IT’S DONE

it’s done
i know my way out
got my objective
gone is my doubt
need to reorganize
create a new scheme
need to do it fast
before I run out of steam

it’s time to go back
doing what I really like
enjoy more autonomy
in deciding where to hike
rediscovery
this is all I need
go back to the basic
and embrace a familiar creed

contradictions are rising
disengagement is a necessity
confrontation is a requisite
to enjoy one’s liberty
accept and rectify
errors that went before
this is what I need to do
before I ask for more

some will be elated
some will be confused
some won’t understand
why I have to choose
it’s basic because
if you’re no longer in tune
with the music they play
you have to leave them soon

i am still fortunate
some options are on the way
in my hands are some cards
that I’d still be able to play
with those who are willing
to put their stakes on me
so I can go back to
where I really want to be

no room for procrastination
the urgency is here
there’s a call to be daring
to overcome the inner fear
patience is a must
to hit the chosen mark
before I feel the flame
i have to revive the spark

the fire of rebirth
will consume the past
i will own a future
that is built to last
i can finally put
all my painful regrets
to a place where they can
finally be laid to rest

3/14/2013
RMP

IT’S BETTER THIS WAY

the more I see

the more I flee
the more I hear
the more I fear
the more I think
the more I sink
the more I try
the more I ask why

time’s not on my side
my thoughts in disarray
lines have been drawn
to what I’ll do and say
limit has shown its face
there are words that I must keep
the rule is very simple
what I sow is what I reap

i see the line
i recognize the sign
i’ve to encage
whatever’s on my mind
i can’t set them free
though I need a breathing space
because there are choices
that I cannot simply replace

the lesser I see
the lesser the imagery
the lesser I hear
the lesser the fear
the lesser the thoughts
the lesser what I’ve to say
i guess it is better
it is better this way

RMP
1999

JHOANNE GABRIELLE

it took me six years

before I wrote this one

i waited for this moment

now it has been done

the inspiration’s so strong

the words are just right here

my fingertips are all set

my thoughts are very clear

you’re a spring of joy

that we cherish everyday

the things that you do

the words that you say

are timeless memories

that we’ll always keep

your smile and your laughter

will always make our days complete

you made me cry a lot

when I was so far away from you

my heart was broken

i didn’t know what to do

i promise you this time

it won’t happen again

because I do not know

if I can still bear the pain

you’re still our baby

and you will always be

we’ll laugh and play with you

and build up your curiosity

we’ll take care of you

we’ll give you what you need

we’ll always be there for you

we’ll nurture you like a seed

you’re still very young

still it’s a long way to go

there will be a lot of things

that you have to undergo

you might still look fragile now

but you' will grow strong and firm

the right time will come for you

to achieve all your dreams

RMP

6/22/2013

A WEDDING POEM

there you are right now

walking along the aisle

a beauty dressed in white

wearing that perfect smile

i can see you from here

moving slowly with the man

who will entrust your heart to me

so I can forever hold your hand

few more steps my love

and you’ll be here with me

we’ll make our vows together

before we start our family

few more steps my love

and we’ll jointly tie the knot

a beginning of our story

we’re going to write our plot

i just can’t imagine

how this has come to be

that few moments from now

you’ll be standing here with me

you and I as one

our life together has just begun

i am blessed to have you

after all is said and done

now that you’re here with me

we’ll say the words “I do”

a confirmation of our love

that will endure because it’s true

then as we wear our wedding rings

and gently kiss each other’s lips

our hearts became as one

inside are the promises to keep

i just can’t imagine
how this has come to be
that few moments from now
you’ll be standing here with me
you and I as one
our life together has just begun
i am blessed to have you
after all is said and done

RMP (6/20/2013)

Los Banos Laguna

TAKE YOUR TIME

No need to worry if you’re not in the lead
Keep your eyes on the road don't you ever concede
Don't push yourself too hard you'd get there by and by
When Endorphins kicked in you'll feel the runner's high

It doesn't really matter if it's trail or concrete
As long as your mind is in synced with your feet
Once you got the rhythm it will be a steady flow
With every stride you take your confidence will grow

Take your time
Run the race on your own
Take your time
Even if you’re running all alone

It’s not you against them but it’s you against you
Your race time’s a measure of what you can really do
Don't mind if your PR is inferior from the rest
Running my friend is a personal quest..

Take your time
You’ll reach the finish line
Take your time
Everything will be just fine

RMP
6/13/2013
Revised 3/11/17

SO MUCH TO SHARE

fluctuating emotions
struggles from within
there are battles inside
i know i just can't win
i have to let them go
to keep my sanity
i've so much to share
listen before judging me

i know i must admit
i don’t have all the power
to guard and defend
my embattled tower
the truth has spoken
forces have conspired
there’s no turning back
i can no longer hide

i have so much to share
i have so much to share
i don’t really mind
if they do or they don’t care

to free my soul
and unburden my heart
i have to find a way
to unlock the missing part
i have so much to share
i have so much to give
i'm willing to offer
whatever I can conceive

the flow will continue
to conquer all my fears
words will find their way
to wash away my tears
acceptance isn’t a gauge
whether to continue or not
i won't stop because
passion fuels me up

i have so much to share
i have so much to share
i don’t really care
if this world isn’t fair

RMP
6/22/2013
revised
5/11/2014
Winnipeg MB Canada