plot twist: a 100-word story

"For how can I be sure I shall see again the world on the first of May." My window was a painted sunset, in floating strokes of purple, orange, and raspberry's blood. I played a song about roses and taste of hope, my hips swaying free of audience, but mindful of the noodles not to…

prayer for roses

Dearestthe Philippines,I have a confession:in as much as my thumb aches toshade thename of the presidentmy bones believe for, mypassport is held in a foreign countrymy wingsclipped, face first, ona faraway soil. My tongue, bitten by the bile taste ofregret.I am alone here, curledin anticipation,choked in worry, even honeytastes bland.My nightsare prayers inthe dark. May…