Can You Love An Activist? Poem by Obed dela Cruz

Here and there, many issues call attention
Like damsels in distress crying for heroes;
Demanding time, resources, and affection
From a lover already burdened with throes!

Most of the time, we live as if we're exiled
Because of a sentence we chose to swear in
To reach a future we carry like a child,
Never aborting the cause of why we've been

Such a people who toil and labor with trust-
Though others do not see the fruit of their sweat
Even forsaking our joys, we find as must-
That from society shall cease ev'ry threat.

We are like this in this side of existence,
Believing that each sacrifice has value;
As if we are members of a resistance
And refugees plotting for a strong breakthrough!

There is no safety. Your countenance, however,
Soothes my despairing heart in need of friendship-
A companion to hold with during winter-
To tame my hate and cause my conceit to rip.

Between us, if all I can promise is love
With the deciding faith to improve each day
Not on our own, not for us, our lives thereof,
Can you and I risk it together and stay?

January 1,2016
Edited on: January 2,2016
Marikina City