there is something in his smile that reminds
me of hope, but yet the wrinkles that gather
around his eyes when he laughs seem to
tell tales of suppressed agony and forgotten
dreams.

Papa Joe, back bent, and shaky steps that
one fears that he collapses under the cracked
stick that helps him journey.

Or perhaps, he wouldn't mind, his forgotten dreams and the country's economy have
done enough damage to last him till his grave time.

~Zube