The Truth

Isn’t it sad to belong to a generation that has nothing,

Let alone, no one to believe in?

To be uncertain of the truth that is being said?

To realize that what you thought was right is actually wrong?

To live in a world ruled by man’s coveting?

You can’t be too sure about things nowadays, they say

The only truth you can be sure about is yourself

Who you are

Unless, you decide to lie about that too.

Written August 1993

About this poem: This was written during a transitional period in my life – First semester of freshman year at university. Before this, I had a fairly standard Catholic school girl upbringing. I thought I understood right from wrong, like it was black and white. I was taught not to question, especially God, at Assumption. When on of the nuns learned I was planning to attend the University of the Philippines after high school, she warned me about losing my way and my values. UP professors, on the other hand, taught us to question everything. I began to question what I really knew. And who I really was.