Karina Lagdameo-Santillan

VISUAL ARTS     Sorsogon is a city in the Bicol Region located in the southern part of Luzon island, Philippines. Starting out as a mural artists’ group and joining several contests in the city, the group coined the term…

THREE HAIKUS AND A BACKSTORY       #1. all-embracing sky under your protective dome seas breath, mountains rise.   #2. there on an empty lot on a lone brown hilltop— tall, tall sunflowers.     #3. the dew on…

A SHORT SHORT STORY       From where I sit, eyes closed, I imagine myself journeying towards it, there where the absolute fount of inspiration can be found. The road is long and I see myself walking, on foot,…

PROSE POEM     Early morning is sacred time. Time to look far into the lightening horizon, calmly searching for signs inscribed in the skies. Time to look heavenward, there where the moon still sits high upon her throne, sharing…

POEM     What can I offer you But my thanks and gratitude For being part of my life…   Its light and dark moments I shared with you As we pass through the days and nights of our lives.…

A POEM AND A NOTE:     I love the way your presence comforts me The grace of your being The lightness of your touch.   I long to have you by my side In the morning light In the…

POEM     A grim specter has been haunting the four corners of the world. North, South, East, West, An unseen virus, like a whirlwind Has wreaked havoc on the lives of all and sundry.   Lives and livelihoods are…

A POEM AND A BACKSTORY     Imprisoned by an unseen virus, Days went by, enclosed, barren and bereft.   When the body is shackled The mind wanders, If not to future hopes Dimmed by a closing in of the…

POEM     I dream of leaving this blighted land. Here, abundant waters rise up to the heavens But no rainfall returns to nourish the earth. Jungles give way to burnt-out mountains Trees felled and fettered as logs en route…

POEM     The tombstone marks the name and the years of a life To remember that death like a shadow, follows. But, even for a day, they are alive in memorials and memories.   Flowers are placed, candles are…