my unseen father

The freezing breeze rushed into my nape causing goosebumps to prevail in my already cold body. I quickly enveloped myself with a warm blanket hoping to eliminate the coldness I feel.

Soft. Warm. Comforting. I wondered what it would feel like to be able to hold and be embraced by the arms of my father. Would it be as soft and as fragrant as a freshly plucked flower?

I do not know, for I have not seen him since. Even a picture of what he looks like is not present in my mind.

Growing up, I always envy other children. I feel somewhat betrayed by the world realizing that I have no father! Fifteen long years of envy and betrayal have passed and not even a single knock at our door.

Soon, my envy turned into anger. And just as I was about to rage, a soft warm hand touched my shoulder. I looked behind me and there he was in flesh and blood. I hugged him tight. I forgot all the painful misgivings.

But alas! It was only a dream. A mirage of my betrayed mind.

Oh how I wish to be comforted by him, to be able to console him of problems only he could understand.

If only he would come to us. If only he would hug me. Even a glimpse if his face would be a leap of joy to my already broken heart. If only that happens, then I can sing all the verses of precious songs of love and forgiving.

If only...

I wrote this on the annual Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Press Conference. This piece won me second place in the feature writing category.