the little things

The literature enthusiasts, professors and critiques have been mourning since one of its National Artists, Edith Tiempo, passed away last August 21. I've never been that inclined to writing poems, short stories or other literary artworks. But, I felt sad with the passing of Tiempo and Ophelia Dimalanta, another treasure of Philippine literature.
 Posted below is Ms. Tiempo's famous, Bonsai. I remember way back when  I was still in second year college, that it was one of the poems i understood and loved most. Thanks by the way, to Sir Galan's extensive explanation of the subject.
Bonsai
All that I love
I fold over once
And once again
And keep in a box
Or a slit in a hollow post
Or in my shoe.

All that I love?
Why, yes, but for the moment ---
And for all time, both.
Something that folds and keeps easy,
Son’s note or Dad’s one gaudy tie,
A roto picture of a young queen,
A blue Indian shawl, even
A money bill.

It’s utter sublimation
A feat, this heart’s control
Moment to moment
To scale all love down
To a cupped hand’s size,

Till seashells are broken pieces
From God’s own bright teeth.
And life and love are real
Things you can run and
Breathless hand over
To the merest child.

- Edith L. Tiempo

The poem talks about the paradox of love: small actions or things like Dad's love note, remind us of the irreplaceable sentimental values of these small things.

   Speaking of "small things," my playlist has been playing Collbie Calliat's, guess what, The Little Things:
The little things, you do to me are
taking me over, i wanna show ya
everything inside of me
like a nervous heart that, is crazy beating
my feet are stuck here, against the pavement
i wanna break free, i wanna make it
closer to your eyes, get your attention
before you pass me by

So back up back up take another chance
Don’t you mess up mess up I don’t wanna lose you
Wake up wake up this aint just a thing that you
Give up give up don’t you say that I’d be
Better off better off, sleepin by myself and wonderin
If im better off better off, with out you boy

So don't just leave me hanging on

And every time, you notice me by
holdin me closely, and sayin sweet things
i don't believe, that it could be
you speekin your mind and, sayin the real thing
my feet have broke free, and i am leavin
i'm not gonna stand here, feelin lonely but
i wont forget you, and i won't think this
was just a waste of time

C: So back up back up take another chance
Don’t you mess up mess up I don’t wanna lose you
Wake up wake up this aint just a thing that you
Give up give up don’t you say that I’d be
Better off better off, sleepin by myself and wonderin
If im better off better off, with out you boy

But don't just leave me hangin on.....

***
Note: the littlest things, smallest gestures... are those that mean the greatest. :)