Song of Iroh

Leaves from the vine
Falling so slow
Like fragile tiny shells
Drifting in the foam
Little soldier boy
Come marching home
Brave soldier boy
Come marching home

Maturity

I'm not cut out for guarantees. I can't say "I'll get around to it." And if I do say something that sounds like that, you'd best be advised to disbelieve; disbelieve! Thanks anyway, and a happy new year to you too.

The Childhoods

This story previously appeared in the Sunday Times. Ordonez and the co-editors included it in Past and Present: a Philippine PEN Anthology. They say the book's available in the regular bookstores.