Evils Falter.. The Journey to the Paradise Begins

Evils Falter.. The Journey to the Paradise Begins

Once, there was a notorious group of third-year students in CNSHS. They called themselves Heaven's Devils. In one way or another, they were always too flashy regarding breaking the rules. They had 10 members including their leader, who is the worst of them, is named Teach. The other members were Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, and Francis.

After a school day, well they usually just slack off it, they met in Teach’ house and went to get some drinks. (alcohol) They broke the law. After drinking, all the members of Heaven’s Devils slept in their leader’s house yet they woke up in a place they weren’t familiar with. They found themselves in a dark forest with only the top of the mountain (the mountain is in the forest) visible. It was too bright, it shines too much that they can’t handle its rays.

Then, a stranger appeared in front of them. It resembled an evil demon (well, it was pretty redundant to emphasize its appearance). They wondered what that stranger would do and even if they are evil in their own ways, they still shivered in the appearance of the demon-looking stranger. It was intimidating.

Shocks were sent into their spines after the first word uttered by the stranger. It was pretty normal though. “Leave,” that’s what the stranger said. The group then replied “How?” The stranger then commanded them, “Follow me.” As they followed the stranger, they went deeper into the forest and in their shock, they reached their school.

  

Upon their entry on the gate, they saw souls lingering around there. They thought that it was their school, the same school yet it shows the evil side of it. They were having goose bumps just seeing their school in an evil way. The stranger, noticing that the group was scared, told them that this isn’t even the start yet and what they’re seeing here is not even the appetizer. They haven’t stepped out of the starting line yet.

They now entered the school gate and that marked their entry on the Ante-CNSHS. As they went deeper in the Ante-CNSHS, they saw a devil which looks less intimidating than the stranger. He was named “Die” though. Even being less intimidating than the stranger, they were still too scared on his presence. He’s still a devil after all. They saw ‘Die’ using his logbook and transports to incoming souls to somewhere, maybe somewhere they really belong.

With the help of the stranger, they were able to pass through the guard without being investigated, well they would have found a way or another since they are still living.

As they went on their journey unto the Ante-CNSHS, they saw a long line of students carrying huge watches, wristwatches. It was gigantic and they can see in the students’ reactions that the wristwatches were too heavy. As they tried to approach the stranger, they couldn’t since they didn’t know how to start it, neither call him by his name. The stranger noticed and introduced himself as “Change”. That was a weird name. They asked Change about how long the students would be carrying the load and why were they asked to carry that. He explained that they would be carrying it until they go home, and until they go to school the next day again. That was to emphasize that they should go to the school early since they always come to school late. ‘Change’ added that they can’t remove the gigantic wristwatch.

Paul shivered. Peculiarly, he saw himself in the line of students. He was saddened that he would be receiving the torture he is seeing. He surely didn’t want that. With that on his thoughts, he decided to change for the better. He disappeared and ‘Change’ whispers to himself, “ONE DOWN!”

*Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

Before entering, ‘Change’ explained that CNSHS was divided into three sections. 1^st is the Excessive Love for Things (not actually bad), which is composed of the first two circles. 2^nd is  the Too Weak of Love for Good Things, which is composed of the third to sixth circle. The 3^rd is the The Excessive Love for Bad Things, the last three circles.

They now entered the realm of EVIL CNSHS. They went into its 1^st circle. They entered hell. The 1^st circle was called “The Noise” which is excessive love for noise. The students in this circle are those who can’t hold their noise down. They can’t stand not speaking or making a noise.

As a punishment, they would be isolated in a room surrounded with white walls to emphasize that they are alone, without someone to talk to, without someone to be with, without someone to tease. If they dare to speak a word complaining, more so just making noise, the amount of their stay would be doubled. This station is circled in the LRC.

Out of naughtiness, Michael, one of the members of the group, started looking at all the rooms and surprisingly, saw himself in one of the rooms. He was left clueless. He didn’t want that too. He wanted to change. He disappeared without anyone knowing. His groupmates wondered for a while but they stopped looking for him, by ‘Change’s’ order. “Two Down”

*Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

The group continued their journey, though they’re still wondering where their other two group members were. They proceeded to the second circle, the Glutton, which is excessive love for food and drinks. The students here are those who can’t even fight the desire to eat food even when it’s not allowed. They are punished by staying with all the food wastes around them that smells so bad. They can even see the normal students in Canteen eating food normally as they suffer more. Again, just like how Paul and Michael disappeared, Jonah disappeared without leaving a trace and feeling guilt. He got his urge to change his behaviour and left the group’s journey.

 *Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

Even with less three members, they continued their journey. They passed the first section of CNSHS and they were about to go to the 2^nd one.

They entered the 3^rd circle, the Hard-headed Rule Breakers, with too less obedience that is being guarded by Ms. Rejas, a teacher they knew too much. She had punished them for a lot of time now.

The “hard-headed”s are forced to bang their heads onto harder rocks with feeling only half the pain so that they could have the ability to break all the stones given to them which amounts to about 1000x they became hard-headed in their entire life. That’s what would happen to the hard-headed. Continuous bowing down of their heads represent submissiveness.

All of them, the 7 group members + ‘Change’ saw Francis suffering from that but not experiencing the same trauma, the other group members weren’t moved that much and decided to continue the journey while Francis decided to fall back and change. “Four Down,” Change says.

Rule breaking includes Vandalism and Cutting classes.

*Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

They entered the 4^th and 5^th circles quite instantaneously. The 4^th circle was composed of students who don’t make efforts to clean their place or even mess it up more or the “Litterers”. The 5^th circle, on the other hand, was composed of students who don’t make efforts to make assignments or even scan a page of his book in his house. They even go as far as forging their parents’ signatures. Both of the circles represent sloth.

The punishment for the students in the 4^th circle was that they would lie down on the field and be poured down different types of wastes they didn’t even make an effort to clean like snacks and candy wrappers and softdrink and plastic bottles.

On the other side, the punishment for the 5^th circle was quite light. In the classroom, books, papers and pens would be scattered and that they need to write, study, and review for the entirety of their stay on the 5^th circle. Elijah and Jacob, the sloths, decided to change for the better.

*Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

The too much lack of respect was what they encountered after entering the sixth circle in the gym. They see students kissing the feet of everyone they meet. Isaac, Isaiah, and Gabriel were starting to falter already but Teach isn’t even in the least, moved. The students in the 6^th circle, the Disrespectful, are those students who didn’t show enough respect for the other students, the teachers, their parents, and even other people they encounter.

‘Change’ then explained that that isn’t only the punishment they receive. They also see their opposite sides in the mirrors before they were even able to go and kiss the people’s feet. They would need to learn to respect themselves first. Isaiah was terribly moved by the punishment and decided to change though he left a message to the other three. “Notice ‘Change’? His presence is depleting right now. Find it out”.

*Paul, Elijah, Isaac, Jacob, Jonah, Isaiah, Michael, Gabriel, Francis, Teach

Intrigued by the message, Gabriel decided to keep an eye on ‘Change’. He was not able to do that though because of the next circle they entered. It was too dark. They could not see anything except for the path they are taking. This was the 7^th circle, the Envious. The students here are those who give too much love for the material things or characteristics the other people have, in a bad way. Gabriel, who was struck in the heart after seeing how the envious students gets punished, disappears without being able to relay the message on the other two. He wasn’t able to say goodbye.

The mood gets heavier and the atmosphere gets darker. That’s what Isaac noticed. He was left with Teach and ‘Change’. They proceeded to the 8^th circle, the Violence. He didn’t feel good about this. He was the most violent among them. Cries, moans, scolds from parents, that’s what they could hear. Even though they couldn’t see it because of the dark, ‘Change’ explains that the students in this circle are constantly beating up each other. Those who only have the strongest will to surpass the violence would be able to get out of the beatings, yet not the circle. Harsh Bullies and people who use violence against themselves are to be punished here too. This was stationed in the Guidance Office and Isaac suddenly disappeared. ‘Change’ is starting to lose his energy right now and Teach is the only one left for him to finish his job.

Going on to the last part of their journey, ‘Change’ tells Teach to get ready since this would hurt him a lot. The last circle, the 9^th circle they would enter is “The Cheaters” stationed in the office. In here rest the cheating students FOREVER. They would see cheaters getting caught by teachers and suffering the same fate as them. They are even shown cheating students failing miserably in life, living in depression, smoking, and dying by drinking alcohol. It hurts to see that the same people as them are suffering too much but they are still forever locked in the 9^th circle.

Teach was totally moved. He didn’t know why but hearing from ‘Change’ the punishments the students were receiving, he wanted to change. ‘Change’ really helped all of them. ‘Change’ changed them and he wanted to thank him but he was not able to. He disappeared already.

‘Change’, on the other hand, has already rose back up to heaven and whispered to himself, “It’s really though portraying a devil” but he needed to. He was praised above because he was able to change the “Heaven’s Devils” to “Heaven’s Angels”

The Heaven’s Devils lived perfectly. They didn’t do anything that bad now. They strived hard and worked hard.

Is txting ruining ur knwldg abt da Eng. language??

             30WwzZ ph0w$zzZZXSH. It's truly a pain in the eye, even I can't hold it anymore. At its first surge, I  cried, LITERALLY. I just can't see the point of making your text messages and chat conversations longer than what you should. But texting isn't all about being j3j3, keep in mind that that's not the only thing we do when we text or chat.

              BRB, JGH, JK, IMO.... and more. In your first meeting with those words, you would be stunned by how creative people are just to spend less time in replying or starting a conversation. Nevertheless, these words are quite a necessity for humans now, not that I'm saying we couldn't live without them, but it would be tough for us to make conversations without those words.

               Since I seldom text, I really am not particular to how people text in these days. After the spread of "jejemon", I really had not much of news on how people text so I would be basing it on my chat conversations in Facebook. (I think it's not that wrong since I can imagine myself texting just the same way as I chat with my friends in Facebook.

               Misspelled and abbreviated words are certainly the most common issues regarding texting/chatting. I don't have a misconception about shortening words since people have many reasons and I THINK that less knowledge about English would even reach 1%. Most of the reasons must be to shorten the time that they could use and to emphasize that somewhat, they really didn't have the energy to reply to the person they're talking to.

                As I assumed a while ago, I think a little less than 1% of Filipinos shorten their replies/words because of their lack of knowledge and I think that those other 99% would have their knowledge unaffected. I think it's too light to affect the knowledge of the people. Maybe a little spelling problems would occur but I think that the basic grammar knowledge would just stay the same.

                Texting was not even created to diminish the knowledge of people in English Language, nor to shorten words or replies. Mostly, it's just for communication purposes. Maybe the creativity of the people only became a factor to the disease that's been in us now. No one could be blamed. We haven't seen the extent of the worsening of the knowledge of the English Language, if there are so I think that as long as we keep in mind everything we know about English Language, our knowledge of it should not be decreased.

             

Was it worth the wait?

15..14..13..12..11..10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1.. "Sembreak na!"

The clock ticked and its hands reached 5 and 12. We screamed together like we needed to get out of the haul and party before the world ends. We acted like there was no tomorrow even though our awaited moment was just coming. The shouts of success, that's what I heard before we separated. Just as I said goodbye to the room I spent almost 5 months with, I thought of the week to come. That week, that break, that would give me the rest that I truly needed. 

The wait for this span of days was too long. It was thrilling, too thrilling to think that there would be 10 days that I would get to sleep, without school works bothering my tired mind but was my sembreak really worth the wait? Was it worth all the hype I gave it? ow Would it be fun?

Oddly enough, the teachers gave a little more than nothing of sembreak works. I was too happy that for my beloved sembreak, I could get the chance to relax and to enjoy myself. By relaxation, I mean to enjoy myself outside our home but what happened was the entire opposite. Even though it was fun, I just stayed the whole break inside our house, scanning my news feed, eating, and irregularly going out to play some ball.

Six eventless days had passed. Nothing special happened. I spent my days doing the same things again, all over again. I enjoyed it but it was truly troublesome not to do anything new. I was the least satisfied with my routine. Without Facebook, I didn't know what to do. It felt like it was the only thing that I had. I can blame myself, I know, because I could have done my assignments yet I didn't. I was too lazy. That first week was crappy boring.

Then, by October 31, I decided to my homeworks. I was so proud of myself since it was still 4 days before the classes resume. I know that for other people, they won't be even proud, I mean they would even deny the heck of it, but I am truly happy for that. It felt like I reached a milestone though it would still be tough since we would be going to the cemetery the day after.

Meeting my relatives weren't totally new for me. Yes, we meet only occasionally but still it wouldn't have far intervals but this year was truly a different case. There was some sort of conflict between my relatives and it was relieving to see them pray together, eat together, commemorate the spirits of the dead together and to see them back to how they were back before.

The next day, I did all the other works needed to be done. I was so proud that I had one free day to spend though I just spent in reading mangas. I did not hate it, but I could have studied for that one free day. I just frowned and told myself, in the same evening, "seems like being industrious is not just cut out for me."

Yes, it was totally worth the wait. I got what I wanted, which was rest, but it was rather boring. The semestral break had really relaxed me and that's what I really needed. It was not that fun but at least it gave me what I want.

Am I Trembling?

                Many people were left clueless, in awe, and shocked. What was that feeling that turned their lives at 360 degrees? What was that peculiar sensation they felt? They were left with no words to utter. Their lips were left petrified. Their mouths were shut. They were terrified as what that sensation could do. It was all or nothing. Take it or leave it. It's joy or sorrow. It's heaven or hell.

               They were afraid to take the first step. They were afraid to miss that JUST ONE chance they have. But some are just really making fools of themselves, forcing themselves to believe that they are just stuck in a dream that is a sure no. They were stuck in their own daydreams, in their own daydreams, where their goals truly lie. Love makes cowards. Love makes strong people. Love turns all impossible to possible.

               Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. A single soul that can’t be torn apart. That two bodies, whatever they do, their soul still sticks. Even if they quarrel, even if they wage a war, nothing would happen because destiny will surely do the right thing. Make the two bodies inhabit the same soul they should be into. Make them cherish their mutual feelings with each other once more. Give them their joys and take back their sorrows. That is love. An all or nothing bet that has a 50-50 chance of a heaven or hell.

               "In love, everything is possible.” Even those strong people you know can bend down to their knees and cry. Even the cowards can stand strong and fight for their love. Being in love is horrible for most people. People are too vulnerable. Their chest opens and their heart beats irregularly. The chest opens, love goes in. Love goes in, you get messed up. Love messes you up but when you overcome that challenge, it would be the best feeling ever. It’s really hard, falling in love. It’s really hard, facing that inconsistent feeling. You can be the happiest person and the saddest person when you’re in love. It’s really tough, especially when you’re crying just because of that inconsistent uncontrollable feeling. It’s truly the strongest feeling ever.

               I’m stuck, staring at her, looking at her face while my heart beats faster. I’m stuck in a daydream where we are together. I feel comfortable every time I’m with her. I feel happy every time I talk to her. I feel the best every time we are together. Maybe this is love, maybe this isn’t. Nevertheless, my heart had made its decision. My heart is ready even if I fail, even if I’m rejected but my mind bugs me. I’m asking myself if this is true and all the answer I get from myself is yes. Maybe this is love, maybe this isn’t, maybe my mind is confused, but my heart is not. So I guess, I’m truly in love.

           “There probably isn’t any meaning in life. Perhaps you can find something interesting to do while you are alive. Like how you found that flower. Like how I found you”- Orochimaru of Naruto. I found you and I was struck. You helped me understand the meaning of this life. I felt shocked. I was surprised and stunned. You serve as my inspiration, and you shall never be my distraction. It’s fun being in love, but it’s better having an inspiration in the same name. I was distressed before I met you. It was tough with you, but it was tougher without you. People in love tend to have butterflies in their stomach. They also tend to change their outlooks in their life. How ironic. Love is uncontrollable yet we are being controlled.

          “Love is good. It changes people, for better or for worse. You could look at it as your chance to change. The best kind of love helps you grow up”-Misawa Mitsuyoshi (Mi-chan) of Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun. Maybe that is the reason why I wanted to love. Perhaps, I wanted to change, not thinking whether it is for the better or for the worse but I think love is doing some good changes on me. Perhaps, I wanted to grow up. Perhaps, I wanted to mature. It helps, I know. But it still hurts. It hurts that my mind still hinders me from staying exceptionally strong.

           I have no right to look for a perfect girl, I am not perfect. No one has a right actually. I just have to look for someone compatible with how I act, with how I speak and how I look into people’s lives. Actually, I found someone who I think is compatible with me. She makes me happy. She’s not my life but she’s part of it. We’re not yet the two bodies inhabiting the single soul but she was the one who opened my chest and messed my life up, in a good way. She was the flower that I found.

        “Did you know? God decides when people get to be lucky or unlucky so everything balances in the end, I don’t believe any of that. It’s a bunch of smokes and mirrors. Still, I have been thinking lately. If meeting you was the lucky moment, it balances out everything else that’s happened. Only good things have happened, since I met you” – Yoshida Haru of Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun.

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams". -Dr. Seuss.

The Play of Destiny: Evils fall; Heroes rise

Juliet Capulet, who was the only daughter of a wealthy family in Verona fell deeply in love with Romeo Montague, who came from a very poor family. They secretly meet every night under the light of the moon even though Juliet was already engaged to Brutus of Rome, Julius Caesar’s heir to the throne. Their never let their parents know about their relationship for the Capulets strongly believe that they have to protect their honor and dignity.            One day, Julius Caesar who came from a different kingdom, went to Verona in search for new knights to add to his troops. He wanted to take revenge on Macbeth for killing his brother. Even those who are not of royal blood were required to join. Since Romeo was one of the strongest in his village, he was chosen to be part of the alliance against the uprising tyranny of Macbeth. The night before Julius’ ships leave, Romeo sneaked into Juliet’s garden, just below her balcony. They exchanged vows and promised not to love another person beside themselves.            The next morning, the knights were assembled. In the most enormous ship stayed Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony, Romeo, MONTAGUE, and the other knights of Verona. The ships sailed heading to the Dunsinane castle where the tyrant, Macbeth resides. On their third day, an unexpected storm came and destroyed their peaceful voyage. They ended up on a small island of fairies. They noticed that this island was destroyed and abandoned so they didn’t fear whatever the fairies have in store for them. Romeo, who was seeking for help, encountered a boy named Lysander. He was surprised to see a fairy named Puck behind the enigmatic boy. Romeo saw it in his eyes that the boy was suffering from grief. Lysander told Romeo about the tragedy that their kingdom experienced under the evil hands of Macbeth. Oberon, their king, ruled peacefully over that kingdom until Macbeth came to destroy everything they had. Oberon was assassinated and all the other residents were killed from the forest fire except Hermia, who was held captive. Also, Lysander and Puck survived because Macbeth’s troops missed them.  Lysander suddenly felt enraged and wanted to take revenge on Macbeth. Romeo revealed that the purpose of their voyage was to also take revenge on Macbeth for killing Julius Caesar’s brother, Duncan.            And so Lysander joined the troops with the permission of Julius after narrating the story behind the destroyed kingdom. However, they have a big problem: the ships were totally wrecked. Puck had an idea. He used his abilities to repair and restore the broken ships. The ships sailed immediately to finally end Macbeth’s evil reign.            Meanwhile, Macbeth and Prospero, the thane of Cawdor conversed. Macbeth asked about the planned ship wreck. On the other hand, Prospero was capable of supernatural abilities because of Ariel, his powerful servant spirit. He eagerly informed Macbeth that he was successful in causing the storm for the ships wreck. Suddenly, Prospero thought out of the blue. He asked, “Your highness, what is the purpose of all these destructions?” Macbeth answered, “Duncan took my twin and mother away from me. My father died of grief after. When I grew up, I became the thane of Glamis, and followed every order King Duncan commands. One day, a battle between this kingdom and the Norwegians emerged. After the Norwegians have been defeated, I encountered three witches who told me of some prophecies. They foresaw that I will become the thane of Cawdor and eventually become the king. Even before I could go back to the castle, Lennox and Ross, the noblemen told me that the current thane of Cawdor fought for the Norwegians instead and that I will become the thane of Cawdor. I told my wife, Lady Macbeth about it and without a second thought, she convinced me to kill Duncan and so I did. I poured poison in his ear, without anybody knowing except me and my wife.            Fortunately, no one knew who the killer was. I became the king afterwards. I was successful and so I did not waste any time. I destroyed Oberon’s kingdom in search of my twin and MOTHER, but they weren’t there. Now, people have turned their backs on me. No one would support me nor follow every command of mine.”
            Even before Julius Caesar’s ships arrive, Puck placed an enchantment on their ship to make them invisible. When they got there, Puck flew away, heading to the castle immediately. He went to the sleeping Hamlet, Macbeth’s son, and poured love’s potion on his eyes. The first person he’ll see when he wakes up will be the apple of his eye. Then he left in search of Hermia. He found her sleeping on one of the cells, alone. He woke her up and told her about his plan. The plan was to make Hamlet fall in love with Hermia and make him betray his own father. Even though Hermia truly love Lysander, she still agreed to Puck’s plan. After narrating his plan, Puck went back to Lysander and the troops. He also told them the plan but Lysander didn’t agree. Meanwhile, Hermia’s cell was next to Hamlet’s room so she decided to make a noise to wake Hamlet up and get his attention. Hamlet woke up and the first person he saw was Hermia and he immediately fell in love with her. He confessed his love and Hermia took advantage of the moment. Then she uttered these words “My dear Hamlet if you truly love me, deny thy father and refuse thy name” and Hamlet said “I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized. Henceforth I never will be Hamlet.”  Instantly, Hamlet opened her cell. They went back to the shore of Scotland to open the gates for Julius Caesar and his knights. They started invading the kingdom and some people prepared to set the castle on fire. Knights versus knights, slaves versus slaves, and the officials went for Macbeth’s head but Prospero and Macbeth’s knights went on their way. Only Julius was able to reach Macbeth. Julius and Macbeth finally had the chance to face each other --- without any help from any other knights. Macbeth knew that that moment would come so he prepared a poisoned sword for him. The fight started and Julius earned the first hit. Then Macbeth said, “What did your brother do to my twin and my mother?” “I have nothing to do with them. My only concern is my brother. How could you kill a man so noble and kind?” said Julius. “LIES! Your brother ruined my family and now you’re ruining my castle?” Macbeth shouted, ready to strike Julius again. Julius then earned a huge wound from this attack and caused bothmen to drop their own swords. Meanwhile, the castle started burning down.Not knowing which is which, Julius accidentally took the poisoned sword and got stabbed Macbeth this time. Before Macbeth fell dead, he realized that Julius took his poisoned sword.  Julius, not satisfied with this, decapitated Macbeth. Meanwhile, Julius’ men were winning over Macbeth’s followers. When everyone saw Julius carrying Macbeth’s head, they finished the bloody war and started leaving before the castle burry them all alive.  Julius, on the other hand, felt weaker and weaker. Not long after, he fell dead while the other officials including Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony died as well.The knights hurried back to their ships and Puck undid the spell under Hamlet. He was the only man standing after the ships had left him.
On their way back to Rome, the knights decided to make Montague their king after Julius Caesar and everyone else died. Montague, knowing that there was treaty between the Capulets and Julius Caesar decided Romeo to marry “Capulet’s niece who looks exactly like Juliet”. Romeo strongly disagreed upon hearing this for he knows Juliet is still waiting for him but at the end, he knew he can do nothing about it for Montague told him Juliet was already married.When the day of the wedding came, Romeo was still in deep melancholy. He knew that by this, he would be breaking his promise. The Romans warmly welcomed the Capulets. Everyone was celebrating for Romeo and the mysterious girl are being wed together with Hermia and Lysander.
At the altar, Romeo was secretly hoping that he isn’t supposed to marry a woman besides Juliet. The door finally opened for his bride to come forth. His heart was pounding as this lady walked down the aisle. When he was finally face to face with her, he felt some kind of connection. He lifted her veil and discovered that he already know the woman. She was the one he was waiting to be married with.

                                                                                                        

TeacHERO

                 

                      As I take my first steps, as I missed that ground, as I was preparing for the new year, I remembered them, the heroes of the last year. Who can forget what they did? Who can forget their sufferings? I bet no one did. It must already be tough for us, but how about them? It's tougher for them. Let's give our heroes something they would never forget.

               
                          They take their jobs seriously. They might be scary at times, but they've got a really big heart.They might be scolding us but that's for our good too. They might give us hard exams, but that's for us to study. They might give us lots of home works, but that's for us to learn. They might be absent at times, but let them be pardoned. They are also people. People that might already be sick of seeing us, teaching us, every now and then but still pursues to help us.

                  They might not be there when you took your first step. They might not be there when you uttered your first word. They might not be there when you first stripped. They might not be there when you first stood up after stripping, They might not be there when you got scolded by your parents. BUT, they are there to guide you on you road to be a professional. You might hate them in your school days but one day you would realize, "Where might I be if I didn't meet them, the precious heroes of my life?"

                 

                 Yes, they do teach but that's not the only thing that they can do. Going to school from home, saying goodbye to your parents is an everyday scene. As you travel, you think of school and you think of them, your parents and your second parents. As you reach the school, don't be shocked when you see your parents. Your second parents are just there, waiting for you, and wanting to help you. You spend most of your day with them, your second parents. It's about time that all of us should start thinking of them as our second parents. They make their efforts to help us or make us happy but we also need to make an effort to make them feel special.

                   Make them feel special. Be sure to show yourself, who already blossomed, to them, to those people who planted you, who took care of you, who sacrificed for you. They helped you a lot. Pay them just a little. Show them what you've got. Prove them your worth. Prove them that you're worth it of their

sacrifice. Show them the fruit of your labor. SHOW THEM THAT THEY ARE YOUR INSPIRATION.

                   Students, give glory to them. Give glory to the people who had taken care of you. They deserve it. Our teachers who had a hard time teaching us but they didn't give up. Just as they didn't give up, we shouldn't too. Let us directly go to the path of success because I'm sure that our glorious teachers would never lead us the wrong path. Even if they did, they would have done it for a reason. FOR US TO BE INDEPENDENT OF ANY OTHER PEOPLE'S DECISIONS. THEY WANT US TO MAKE DECISIONS ALONE. Those are really the things that would be useful in life.

                    Glorious days are for glorious people. I just want to greet you, Happy Teachers' Day. I want to thank you, if I could just thank you endlessly, I could already have. I'm in debt. It should be your time to shine, teachers. OUR TEACHEROES.

Things Change

                 "Fair is foul and foul is fair; hover through the fog and filthy air."

             
                  Eveything in this world changes. Nothing is permanent, well except for change. This was one inferred in one of the lines in Shakespeare's Macbeth "Fair is foul and foul is fair". This was said in the end of Act 1 Scene 1 by the three evil witches.

                 What did the witches mean? From fair is foul and foul is fair, it can be inferred that the good things (fair) will turn into ugly things (foul) or foul things would turn into better. Changes, no matter what the circumstances are, will still happen, even if it would be for the better or for the worse. Just like Macbeth, who would expect that a man as noble as him would be resorting to evil deeds?

                 It could also mean that the beautiful things hide an ugly meaning. One of the examples is Macbeth. That's being pretentious. They tend to show different personalities to others, if not, sometimes, the impressions of people for them are different than what they really are. They hide "foul deeds" under their "kind acts".

                 It could also show two different outlooks. The three witches know that their plans, their prophecies, will just cause bad happenings. But even so, Macbeth still flamed the bait. In the point of view of the witches, their plan was really bad but in Macbeth's point of view, it was beautiful for him.

                  All in all, that line set the tragedy of Macbeth. It foreshadowed the evil deeds that Macbeth would do in the play. To be a king in expense of the lives of Duncan and his chamberlains is one. He even ordered to kill Banquo and Fleance, and Macduff's family. The tragedy would have never happened without Macbeth doing what was said in the line. From a fair noble leader to an ugly foul tyrant.

The Excitement in the Top

             The highest point of excitement, the most intense scenes, and the biggest part of the story; all of those are in the climax. It gives the thrill to all the readers. It has the highest point of tension, the most intense scenes, the drama, and everything that would make the readers definitely react. Imagine a dish without its most important ingredient. That's how bad it would be, or even worse, without the story's climax.

              One of the brilliant Shakespeare's works is "A Midsummer Nights' Dream." It was said to have fruit of his learning and the expansion of his imagination. It's climax was the proof.

              If I were to choose the climax of "A Midsummer Nights' Dream", I will choose the part with the four lovers' confusion. I believe it was in Act 3, Scene 2. Instead of Puck putting the love potion to Demetrius' eyelids, he placed it in Lysander's. That Puck mistake sparked the confusion. To correct that mistake, Puck placed the remaining potion in Demetrius' eyelids. But FOR ME, that backfired.

              Why did it backfire? Since both the Athenian men now loved Helena, they fought for Helena's love. Hermia got mad at Helena too. Lysander and Demetrius got into fight, as well as Helena at Hermia. The supposed to be a physical fight became an emotional one with bashing, harsh words, and throwing their ugly memories.  Then Puck, ordered by Oberon, stopped the fight between the two men.

               It has the most thrilling moments. It is the most intense part of the story, It has the highest point of excitement. It threw the most emotions. This has the largest impact in the plot. It gave the readers ane asy understanding of what the play is. It clearly showed the meaning of the story. It is the most important ingredient of the master dish that Shakespeare cooked. It is the climax.

Forgive =/= Forget

            FORGIVENESS. Big word, right? That's a word almost everyone knows but it has a lot of impact and a lot of POWER. Can you imagine how hard to ask for forgiveness is? or even just saying "Sorry"? But despite the hardness of saying sorry, it is actually harder to forgive. When I'm talking about forgiveness, I mean not those half-hearted temporary forgiveness, what I mean is the acceptance of what the others did wrong and of course, yourself.

             Then they are saying that it's easy to forgive. They also say that the best way to forgive is to forget. It might be the best, well for others' cases. They seem to forget the happenings that hurt them and that's it. Boom! They're like new once again and it's like nothing really happened. That's how easy life is, for them. But try to look at it in a different way. Isn't forgetting just an escape? It seems to me that you're just trying to escape the problem and not resolve it. It's just how I think about it though.

              But I have to admit, forgetting requires courage. The courage that is greater than asking for forgiveness.It is not that forgetting only takes a second, a minute, nor a week. It might be an escape, but it is not painless. One of the things that I don't like with forgetting is that, you just let the people who did wrong against you be free from their wrong doings. It's like that you let them go without making them realize that what they did was wrong. And what happens after that? You forget, they escape, they would do wrong again, and then you would forget. So what does that imply? If you forget, you would just escape TEMPORARILY. Things will start to haunt you down too. I am not saying that forgetting is really bad. It's just that it's not the best.

              Forgiving means you accept their repentance. You would make them repent for their sins. Forgetting means you would forget what they did wrong without them making an effort. Forgiving =/= Forgetting.

Brain or Body?

            Body or Brain? Athleticism or Intelligence? Academically inclined or Sporty? Head ache or Body ache? There are two choices but there should only be one response. Many questions bubble but the consequences are dire. It's now or never. There's no turning back. There's no 50-50.

            The brains and  the intelligence belong to the academically inclined students. All people were born smart but academically inclined people know how to use it properly. I don't mean that when you're smart, you don't need to study. That's purely false. Smart people still need to study. Smart people get headaches rather often than body aches. Sometimes they get it from overthinking, sometimes they get it from overstudying and there are different other reasons. They might not be as sporty as others but they have their brains to back them up.

            The physically fit body and the athleticism belong to the sporty people. The physically fit body and their talent, if not naturally given, is worked hard for. There's no doubt. They need to train, to practice, and to excel in their field. Many people look up on them. A disadvantage for them is the strain on their body. They might be athletic. They might be fit. They might be strong but too much is never good. There is always a chance for injury or accident. They're not as safe as other people. They might not be as smart as others but they have their athleticism to help them out.

            Nevertheless, both attributes are really important. A person can survive with one. Well, I do. There is a thought in sporty people that they can study to reach a level a little bit lower than smart people and there's a same thing for the smart people. They might think that they can excel in a sport or two. But no matter how they learn, they'll still come back to what they really are, either smart or sporty.

             Sporty people are more famous than smart people. More people look up on them and less do on the nerdy, smart people but I rather think otherwise. I believe that smart people have an edge against the sporty ones.I really can't explain why but it has something to do on the goals of people in life. I wouldn't think that most people would rather be athletes rather than having a steady professional career which is mostly based on intelligence. I won't change my future just for fame.

A Prayer for the People in Need

Oh, our Almighty God, our heavenly father

I give you my admiration like no other

Your powerful name that makes the evil shudder

 Lord, protect us and remain as our provider

I know that I am imperfect. I make mistakes
Some are decisions that lead others to headaches
but I am sure that you will forgive my outbreaks
especially my rage when I take the wrong stakes

But Lord, I just want to thank you for everything
The things you've given me are truly a blessing
You give us strength to face hardships the problems bring
no matter how tough those are, pain and suffering

Dear Lord. once more, I am wishing for your guidance
for the others who stand strong with their defiance
against Maring and Habagat that sparked turbulence
Make them live a brand new life with their experience

This is the limit of the things that I can do
But I hope that it can help even just a few
Having tragedies is a thing we can't undo
But I know and you would make the victims live through

Ganito Ka Rin Ba Mag-English?

            The following is a letter found at a certain bar in Manila and have been preserved to its original unedited form. Enjoy reading and you may try to direct translation is Tagalog, Pls. read with feelings……

October 1996,

To Marjorie

       I am not surprise or wander why Dennis leave you why? What reason can you think about but you’re very fat body. I thought before that Dennis only use me to his toy but sooner and later I’m realize that he really can’t not beared or stomached to be with you anymore because at first, Dennis say he could not stand you’re habit of making pakialam all his walks (lakad) and always calling to their house what he got home or this or that.

And then he say he get ashame to me either in school or in his family and then asking you to exercise you’re very very, very fat body. But you hate it. Thought you’re the most preetiest girls he knows about. What do you think you are “ Beautiful Girl” of Jose Mari Chan?

       Even you are beautiful face ( to your think) you do not have the right to called me whatsoever or else difference name one time or the other for the real purposed to insults my personality because I’m never call you names either in the front of Dennis or in the backs of Dennis, but if you start already to calling me different name, I don’t have any other choice but to call you other different name to. Like you are a PIG, FAT, OBESSED, OVERWIGHT, AND UGLY SHAPE girl. Shame to you’re body that is to a BUDING.

       You can’t not blame Dennis for exchanging you to me because I am the more sexier that you when you look to us in the mirror. I’m repeat again that you are like Lozada when she is a girl.

Love,

The sexiest Girl of D.M.

P.S.

You say that I’m the bad breathe but who is Dennis want to kissed. Me or you? And the final is me. There you go

Comment:
        Somewhat, the letter had delivered the message well, for me. Even though it was totally wrong grammatically, the feelings of the sender and the thought were still present. It was perfectly shown how the sender wanted to tell Marjorie how fat she was.
        Grammatically wise. the letter had a lot of errors, There are some mistakes in spelling, the direct translations which (for some) had given the wrong thought and the sentence construction was poor too. Most of the mistakes, though, will be easily corrected through studying basic or more complex English.

        Below is a revised edition of the letter above. 

October 1996

To Marjorie,

          I am not surprised or wondered that Dennis left you. What reason can you think about except that you’re really fat. I thought before that Dennis only used me as his toy but later on, I realized that he really can’t bear to be with you anymore because at first, Dennis said he could not stand your intrusive habit whenever he has his scheduled walks. You always call on their house to ask whether he got home.

          He would even tell me that he's ashamed because of you, in both his school or his family. He was asking you to exercise your fat body but you hated it. You thought you were one of the prettiest girls he knew. What do you think you are, a “Beautiful Girl” like Jose Mari Chan was referring to?

          Even you are beautiful, just as you think, you don’t have the right to call me whichever name you would like to just to insult my personality. I never even called you a different name, whether Dennis is there or not, but you did. I didn’t have any choice but to call you with different just to insult your fat body.

          You can’t blame Dennis for choosing me over you because I am sexier even when you compare our reflections. You resemble Lozada when she was a girl.

Love,

The sexiest Girl of D.M.

P.S.

You said that I have bad breath but who did Dennis want to kiss? you or me? And he chose me.

Why Not?

Honestly, before, I was not that much familiar with blogs. I didn't like it. I didn't actually enjoy sharing thoughts using blogs but I didn't know why. Then just before the past school year ended, I knew that the third year students used blogs for their informal themes. I have read a few of the blogs and I found it fun to read.

And then as this school year started, I asked myself "Why not give it a try?". It seems like my decision was right. As those weeks passed by, I learned how to enjoy publishing blogs. Having different topics each week and making us share our thoughts through blogs are brilliant. If you compare it to writing in a notebook, blogging is a lot better. Somehow, it seems too good to be true. There are too many pros against cons. You don't need to think of the penmanship, the erasures, the grammar and the hassle to write but then staying in the internet too much is its disadvantage.

Even though it takes a lot of time from my weekend, I find it rather worth it. Well, totally worth it, that is. There is some sort of excitement I feel when Ma'am says "Blog Number". This is now our eighth blog and I have a feeling of contentment everytime I post my thoughts. Even though we cram, we can produce much better outputs since we enjoy it.

Now, compliance is not that much of a factor now for me to post the blogs required. I want to do them by my own decision. I don't know why I didn't enjoy it before but right now, I really love blogging.

The Mind Adapting to Stress

Why did I even dare to change my life that was so good and stressfree already? I was able to learn not just from my school but in my life as well. Was it my parents' decision? Was it for a better future? Was I certain back then? I rather think not. This was what I felt and this was what I thought was right. Who knew before that my gut feel would be the best decision I have ever made? Who knew that my decision back then would decide my fate? Who knew that it would cast a heavy burden on me? Who knew that I would stand strong and learn? Who knew that it would change my life? Who knew? Only my honest self and Him did.

The moment I entered the vicinity for the very first school day, I had goosebumps. I had a feeling that I needed to prepare for war. I was like, "Hey! Am I going to enter this? Is this it? Will I even survive?" I thought of my old school and especially my friends that I left there.

It is not that we are rich but my family can afford to let me continue study in a private school, my old school. It was just walking distance from our house. I never tried going to school far from our house before. I never tried to sleep past 12. I never tried to wake up as early as 4. I was expecting for things like this to happen but my gut feel had driven me to the path of my life, CAVSCI.

The difference in aura and the awkwardness were there. It was so hard to jive in with the environment that I just felt for the first time. I almost knew no one. It was so stressful right away, the first day; the next day and all the days that followed.  I told myself, "Did I really enter a warzone? If I would just take refugee, why here? It's more peaceful there. It's better."

But still, I am here. I suffered a lot. I still remember a point that one of our first year teachers said that I didn't pass the project she required but I knew I did. I was teary-eyed back then but I knew I should not cry. We found the project and I stayed strong. That is what I learned. I should stay strong no matter how disasters come and storm my life.

Now, I am proud to be a third year student here. So many hardships that I knew before I enter the school would have driven me crazy already; but I just let them pass by. Two years have passed. Those goosebumps are still implanted in my mind. Every lesson I learned are still in my mind and my heart. I hope the lessons would stay intact forever.

Life is all about staying strong, being prepared for all obstacles. Why did I even dare to change my life that was so good already? It is because I would not learn something so important for living so easy. I needed to learn from the new experiences.

No backing down!

Shakepeare's Hamlet was really priceless, specially Hamlet's "To be or not to be. That is the question." Even being an  unrealistic play back in the 1600s, it has mirrored the reality in the present time. All about how revenge fails every time and that it won't do any good. But what was Hamlet really pertaining to?

Hamlet was all hesitant. While he was stating "To be or not to be", he was thinking about if he still needs to live or not. He keeps on insisting on himself that life is too hard; that it is full of hardships and it is too hard to live in to. Life is painful and full of hardships but it is full of joy and fun experiences.

In short, life is full of decisions, no matter how you hesitate. Either you choose the wrong path or the right path, it depends on oneself. Life is full of ups and downs. No matter the path, experiences still come and enter our young mind until it becomes mature. Learn from the wrong doings you have done, don't haunt yourself and repeat everything to yourself like someone who is guilty from murder, get over it. You can't rewrite the past. It has been done. Learning is everything.

I heard that most of the time, the first decision you make is most likely the correct one. But because of hesitations, people always change their decisions. Regrets always come after what happens. But that doesn't end it all. Changes are the only things permanent. Take advantage over it and become stronger. Fight and overcome problems but learn while you take one step at a time.

There was a time somewhere back when I was a first year student, I almost gave up. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop this? What will be the best solution? How am I gonna overcome this? How should I balance my time? There were so many things that bothered my young mind back then. Seriously, every time I heard the word assignment, I was being depressed and depressed as the day passes by. My guilty conscience even haunted me before because I left my friends back at my old school.

BUT, here I am standing strong. Standing through the winds against me. Living my life to the fullest, learning everything so fast. I knew it from the start. My decision back then was going to be a huge turning point in my life. I hesitated, but I went through my decision. I didn't turn it down. I didn't back down. Still no regrets, I knew I was right!

Such fun, I hope it will never run out.

Bottomless

"Bottomless"

Different experiences mount to good learning
In a way that all of us find it enjoying
The well-worn lessons became more interesting
Until now, the English time was never boring

 In the future, to study most of Shakespeare's plays
Even if we experience lots of haggard days
I know I'll still come back with a smile on my face
Because I know I have learned in so many ways

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was magnificent.
Their love between each other is omnipotent
Their only problem is that they are impotent
against their own families who are innocent

Studying the hard Idiomatic Expression
has implanted in my mind; a huge confusion
hiding its meaning behind my field of vision.
It's hard to understand its deep apprehension

Even the verbals which has too many functions
has given my mind too many interruptions
the entry of its functions in our discussions
Gerund, infinitives; sudden revelations

Perhaps the 60 minutes a day is too fast.
To bethink the tenses; future, present or past
nor to learn about affixes which is too vast
but she taught it superbly like lessons amassed.

Everything she has done has merit a reason.
The spelling words she gives are not just burden.
Everything we learn are not just for prison
It has its purpose; for us to be well-driven.

This is going to be a dream come true!!!!

"I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction", said Einstein, This doesn't really say that technology is bad, it is the overuse or misuse. Technology has improved vastly from the start until now. Computers, laptops, phones, and more gadgets were invented. Before it was just a want and not a need, but now, it has become a necessity.

The most important gadget that was invented, for me, was the computer. Before, I thought it was just actually for sossy and rich people but as I grew older, I realized I was wrong. It is a big part of a person's life especially a student like me. I don't know how I will live without computers backing me up.

Despite all the good effects of having computer, its opposite will never be gone. Being addicted to computer games, surfing net, getting attached to the social networking sites are mainly the reasons for computer addiction. There will always be advantages and disadvantages.

But computers are irreplaceable. It is very important for researches of students, communication, and many more things. They are so vital to every person. The computer marks every step a person goes while on his way to success.

They deserve a Happy Ending :)

(Romeo enters with Balthasar and at the same time Paris and his Page)
Romeo: (speaking so that Balthasar only hears) Balthasar, here's my gift to you (gives Balthasar money). You better leave now. Thanks for everything, my dear fellow. (Balthasar exits)
Paris: (speaking so that his Page only hears) My Page, you better fetch some watchmen right now. (the Page exits) (to Romeo) What is your purpose here, you dirty Montague? And no matter what that purpose is, you WILL die!
Romeo: Yeah, I must indeed die. But please before that, can you please go and leave me alone. I am desperate to die. Please go, I don't want to commit more crimes. I am begging you. My weapons here are for myself alone.
Paris: I refuse to request. You killed my love's cousin Tybalt, that's why I am going to kill you with my own hands.
Romeo: Are you not going to leave? Are you provoking me? You want to fight, arrogant boy?
(Romeo and Paris start to fight)
(Paris falls)
Romeo: I don't want to end another life. I'll leave you wounded.
Paris: I don't need your help. Just kill me and lay me next to my dear Juliet. (Paris faints)
(Romeo didn't answer Paris and proceeds to revealing who's in the tomb)
Romeo: Oh my dear Juliet, what happened? Why did you need to die? You should not have left me alone in this dark place. You should be enjoying your life with me. No matter what, I'll join you in the afterlife.
(scene goes to Friar Lawrence)
Friar Lawrence: (shocked) Why is Juliet's tomb open? Who's there? (The Friar proceeds to the tomb and sees Romeo about to open the poison bottle) (to Romeo) Stop that, right now! Juliet is not yet dead!
(Romeo stops)
Romeo: What? Not yet dead? Don't you see that Juliet is here lying so cold and I was about to follow her in the afterlife.
Friar Lawrence: Calm down Romeo, let me explain. Juliet is lying there not dead but pretending to be dead. She asked me to resolve the problem that you two have. I gave her a potion that will stop her pulse and will be out of effect after 48 hours. She did that all for you Romeo.
Romeo: Juliet, Juliet, how sweet can you get?
(Paris regains consciousness but still can not move) (Juliet wakes up)
Paris: (clueless and shocked) Juliet is alive?
Juliet: Romeo, Romeo, you came here for me.
(There are footsteps near them. The watchmen with the Prince, the Capulets, and the Montague entered the tomb)
(Capulet and Montague run to the scene)
Capulet: Juliet? Montague: Romeo?
Prince Escalus: Stop it right there! What is happening here? Why is the Capulet's daughter, Juliet, alive? What is the banished Romeo doing here? Why is Count Paris wounded? Friar Lawrence, do you know anything about the incident?
Friar Lawrence: Wait, I'll explain everything.
Prince Escalus: Faster!
Friar Lawrence: Let's start in the day when Tybalt died. That day, Juliet was sad not because Tybalt was dead but because Romeo was to be banished. Before Romeo killed Tybalt, I secretly held a wedding for Romeo and Juliet because I thought it will start good terms between the Capulets and the Montagues. And also, Juliet was not dead. She just pretended to be dead. I gave her a potion to stop her pulse for 48 hours to solve her problem.
Capulet: And here we thought you are really a holy man!
Prince Escalus: Capulet, stop!
(Paris grabbed Romeo's poison without someone seeing)
Friar Lawrence: That's all I can share to you. I don't know what happened to Count Paris.
Romeo: I am so sorry. I asked him to leave but he didn't. I was about to kill myself since I don't know that Juliet was really alive. We fought and I left him wounded.
(Paris drank the poision, Paris faints)
Capulet: (Everyone shocked) What happened?
Romeo: The poison I was about to drink...
(The Capulet got mad at Romeo)
Capulet: (To himself) You dirty Montague! (gets a dagger and proceeds to stabbing Romeo)
(The Montague rushed to save Romeo in exchange of his own life)
Montague: Sorry Romeo, I was not a good father. But it's ok. Seems like you found a girl you will love. I am a proud father. Forgive the Capulets, nothing will happen if this continues.
(Romeo's anger in the Capulets was gone)
Prince: How dare you commit a crime in front of me Capulet. You are to be banished.
Capulet: (not minding the Prince) Romeo and Juliet, my daughter, I am so sorry. I feel like I am the worst in the world after seeing my rival die and tells his son to forgive us, specially me. I am terribly sorry.
Juliet: It's fine, my dear father.
Romeo: (to Capulet) I will lie if I tell you that I'm not mad at you. But I know in time, I can forgive you.
Romeo and Juliet: Please, our dear Prince Escalus, don't banish the Capulet.
Prince: Seems like you're in peace already. Understood heroes of Verona, I won't banish the Capulet but he will be removed from his position starting now.
(Romeo, Juliet, and everyone comes back to the city and Romeo and Juliet had another wedding, but it is public.)
Romeo: Juliet, I love you.
Juliet: Romeo, I love you too.
(Romeo and Juliet kissed)
Capulet: As the former king of the Capulets, Romeo, you will be the next king of the Capulets, no both the Capulets and the Montagues as one.
(The Capulets and Montagues are now in good terms. Romeo became the king of both families.)

THE END

A Brilliant Ending

Modern Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Scene 3

PARIS enters with his PAGE.
PARISGive me your torch, boy. Go away and stay apart from me. Put the torch out, so I can’t be seen. Hide under the yew-trees over there. Listen to make sure no one is coming through the graveyard. If you hear any one, whistle to me to signal that someone is approaching. Give me those flowers. Do as I tell you. Go.
The PAGE puts out the torch and gives PARIS the flowers.
PAGE

(to himself) I am almost afraid to stand alone here in the graveyard, but I’ll take the risk.

The PAGE moves aside
PARIS

(he scatters flowers at JULIET’s closed tomb)Sweet flower, I’m spreading flowers over your bridal bed. Oh, pain! Your canopy is dust and stones. I’ll water these flowers every night with sweet water. Or, if I don’t do that, my nightly rituals to remember you will be to put flowers on your grave and weep.

The PAGE whistles
The boy is warning me that someone approaches. Who could be walking around here tonight? Who’s ruining my rituals of true love?
It’s someone with a torch! I must hide in the darkness for awhile.
PARIS hides in the darkness. ROMEO and BALTHASAR enter with a torch, a pickax, and an iron crowbar.
ROMEO
Give me that pickax and the crowbar. (he takes them from BALTHASAR) Here, take this letter. Early in the morning deliver it to my father. (he gives the letter to BALTHASAR) Give me the light. (he takes the torch from BALTHASAR) Swear on your life, I command you, whatever you hear or see, stay away from me and do not interrupt me in my plan. I’m going down into this tomb of the dead, partly to behold my wife’s face. But my main reason is to take a precious ring from her dead finger. I must use that ring for an important purpose. So go on your way. But if you get curious and return to spy on me, I swear I’ll tear you apart limb by limb and spread your body parts around to feed the hungry animals in the graveyard. My plan is wild and savage. I am more fierce in this endeavor than a hungry tiger or the raging sea.
BALTHASAR
I’ll go, sir, and I won’t bother you.
ROMEO
That’s the way to show me friendship. Take this.(he gives BALTHASAR money) Live and be prosperous. Farewell, good fellow
BALTHASAR

(speaking so that only PARIS can hear) Despite what I said, I’ll hide nearby. I’m frightened by the look on his face, and I have doubts about his intentions.

BALTHASAR moves aside and falls asleep.
ROMEO
(speaking to the tomb) You horrible mouth of death! You’ve eaten up the dearest creature on Earth. Now I’m going to force open your rotten jaws and make you eat another body. (ROMEO begins to open the tomb with his tools)
PARIS

(speaking so that ROMEO can’t hear) It’s that arrogant Montague, the one who’s been banished. He’s the one who murdered my love’s cousin Tybalt. They think she died with grief for that cousin. This guy has come here to commit awful crimes against the dead bodies. I’ll catch him.

(to ROMEO) Stop your evil work, vile Montague! Can you take revenge on dead bodies? Condemned villain, I’ve caught you. Obey and come with me. You must die.
ROMEO
I must indeed. That’s why I came here. Good and noble young man, don’t mess with someone who’s desperate. Get away from here and leave me. Think about the ones who have died. Let them put fear in your heart. Please, young man, don’t make me angry. I don’t want to commit another crime. Oh, go away! I swear, I love you more than I love myself. For I’ve come here with weapons to use against myself. Don’t stay here, go away. Live, and from now on, say a madman mercifully told you to run away.
PARIS
I refuse your request. I’m arresting you as a criminal.
ROMEO

Are you going to provoke me? Alright, let’s fight, boy!

ROMEO and PARIS fight.
PAGE

Oh Lord, they’re fighting! I’ll go call the watch.

The PAGE exits.
PARIS
(he falls) Oh, I’ve been killed!

If you are merciful, open the tomb and lay me next to Juliet.

PARIS dies.
ROMEO

Alright, I will. Let me look at this face. It’s Mercutio’s relative, noble Count Paris! What did my man say? I was worried, so I wasn’t listening to him while we were riding. I think he told me Paris was about to marry Juliet. Isn’t that what he said? Or was I dreaming? Or am I crazy? Did I hear him say something about Juliet and jump to conclusions? Oh, give me your hand. Both of us had such bad luck! I’ll bury you in a magnificent grave.

ROMEO opens the tomb to reveal JULIET inside.
A grave? Oh no! This is a lantern, dead Paris. Juliet lies here, and her beauty fills this tomb with light. Dead men, lie there. You are being buried by another dead man. (he lays PARIS in the tomb
How often are men happy right before they die! They call it the lightness before death. Oh, how can I call this lightness? Oh, my love! My wife! Death has sucked the honey from your breath, but it has not yet ruined your beauty. You haven’t been conquered. There is still red in your lips and in your cheeks. Death has not yet turned them pale. Tybalt, are you lying there in your bloody death shroud? Oh, what better favor can I do for you than to kill the man who killed you with the same hand that made you die young. Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, why are you still so beautiful? Should I believe that death is in love with you, and that the awful monster keeps you here to be his mistress? I don’t like that idea, so I’ll stay with you. And I will never leave this tomb. Here, here I’ll remain with worms that are your chamber-maids. Oh, I’ll rest here forever. I’ll forget about all the bad luck that has troubled me. Eyes, look out for the last time! Arms, make your last embrace! And lips, you are the doors of breath. Seal with a righteous kiss the deal I have made with death forever. (ROMEO kisses JULIET and takes out the poison) Come, bitter poison, come, unsavory guide! You desperate pilot, let’s crash this sea-weary ship into the rocks! Here’s to my love!

ROMEO drinks the poison.
Oh, that pharmacist was honest! His drugs work quickly. So I die with a kiss.
ROMEO dies.
FRIAR LAWRENCE enters with a lantern, crowbar, and shovel.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Saint Francis, help me! How often tonight have my old feet stumbled on gravestones! Who’s there?
BALTHASAR
I’m a friend, a friend who knows you well.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
God bless you! Tell me, my good friend, what is that light over there? The one that vainly lights up the darkness for worms and skulls without eyes? It looks to me like it’s burning in the Capulet tomb.
BALTHASAR
That is where it’s burning, father. My master is there. The one you love.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Who is it?
BALTHASAR
Romeo.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
How long has he been there?
BALTHASAR
For a full half hour.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Go with me to the tomb.
BALTHASAR
I don’t dare, sir. My master doesn’t know I’m still here. He threatened me with death if I stayed to look at what he was doing.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
Stay, then. I’ll go alone. I’m suddenly afraid. Oh, I’m very scared something awful has happened.
BALTHASAR
As I slept under this yew-tree here, I had a dream that my master and someone else were fighting and that my master killed him.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
(approaching the tomb) Romeo! Oh no! What is this blood that stains the stony entrance of this tomb? Why are these bloody swords lying here, abandoned by their masters? Next to this place of peace?

(he looks inside the tomb) Romeo! Oh, he’s pale! Who else? What, Paris too? And he’s covered in blood? Ah, when did these horrible things happen? The lady’s moving.

JULIET wakes up.
JULIET

Oh friendly friar! Where is my husband? I remember very well where I should be, and here I am. Where is my Romeo?

A noise sounds from outside the tomb.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
I hear some noise. Lady, come out of the tomb. A greater power than we can fight has ruined our plan. Come, come away. Your husband lies dead there, and Paris too. Come, I’ll place you among the sisterhood of holy nuns. Don’t wait to ask questions. The watch is coming. Come, let’s go, good Juliet, I don’t dare stay any longer.
JULIET

Go, get out of here. I’m not going anywhere.

FRIAR LAWRENCE exits.
What’s this here? It’s a cup, closed in my true love’s hand? Poison, I see, has been the cause of his death. How rude! He drank it all, and didn’t leave any to help me afterward. I will kiss your lips. Perhaps there’s still some poison on them, to make me die with a medicinal kiss. (she kissesROMEO) Your lips are warm.
WATCHMEN and PARIS’s PAGE enter.
CHIEF WATCHMAN
(coming to the PAGE) Lead, boy. Which way?
JULIET
Oh, noise? Then I’ll be quick. Oh, good, a knife! My body will be your sheath. Rust inside my body and let me die.
(she stabs herself with ROMEO’s dagger and dies)
PAGE
This is the place. There, where the torch is burning.
CHIEF WATCHMAN

The ground is bloody. Search the graveyard. Go, some of you, arrest whoever you find.

Some WATCHMEN exit.
This is a pitiful sight! The count is dead. Juliet is bleeding. Her body is warm, and she seems to have been dead only a short time, even though she has been buried for two days. Go, tell the Prince. Run to the Capulets. Wake up the Montagues. Have some others search.
Some other WATCHMEN exit in several directions.

We see the cause of all this pain. But we’ll have to investigate to discover the whole story.

The SECOND WATCHMAN reenters withBALTHASAR.
SECOND WATCHMAN
Here’s Romeo’s man. We found him in the churchyard.
CHIEF WATCHMAN

Hold him in custody until the Prince gets here.

The THIRD WATCHMAN reenters with FRIAR LAWRENCE.
THIRD WATCHMAN
Here is a friar who’s trembling, sighing and weeping. We took this pickax and this shovel from him, as he was walking from this side of the graveyard.
CHIEF WATCHMAN

Very suspicious. Hold the friar too.

The PRINCE enters with ATTENDANTS.
PRINCE

What crimes happen so early in the morning that I have to wake up before the usual time?

CAPULET and LADY CAPULET enter.
CAPULET
What’s the problem, that they cry out so loud?
LADY CAPULET
Some people in the street are crying “Romeo.” Some are crying “Juliet,” and some are crying “Paris.” They’re all running in an open riot toward our tomb.
PRINCE
What’s this awful thing that everyone’s crying about?
CHIEF WATCHMAN
Prince, here lies Count Paris killed. And Romeo dead. And Juliet. She was dead before, but now she’s warm and hasn’t been dead for long.
PRINCE
Investigate how this foul murder came about.
CHIEF WATCHMAN
Here is a friar, and dead Romeo’s man. They’ve got tools on them—tools they could use to open these tombs.
CAPULET
Oh heavens! Oh wife, look at how our daughter bleeds! That knife should be in its sheath on that Montague’s back, but instead it’s mis-sheathed in my daughter’s breast.
LADY CAPULET

Oh my! This sight of death is like a bell that warns me I’m old and I’ll die soon.

MONTAGUE enters.
PRINCE
Come, Montague. You’re up early to see your son down early.
MONTAGUE
Oh, my liege, my wife died tonight. Sadness over my son’s exile stopped her breath. What further pain must I endure in my old age?
PRINCE
Look, and you’ll see.
MONTAGUE
(seeing ROMEO's body) Oh, you undisciplined boy! Where are your manners? It’s not right for a son to push past his father on his way to the grave.
PRINCE
Be quiet and hold back your remarks of outrage, until we can clear up these questions. We want to know how it started and what really happened. And then I’ll be the leader of pain, and maybe I’ll lead you as far as death. In the meantime, hold on, and be patient. Bring forth the men under suspicion.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
I am the greatest, but I was able to do the least. I am under the most suspicion, because I was here at the time of this awful murder. And here I stand, you can question me and punish me. I have already condemned and excused myself.
PRINCE
Tell us what you know about this affair.
FRIAR LAWRENCE
I will be brief because I’m not going to live long enough to tell a boring story. Romeo, who lies there dead, was the husband of that Juliet. And she, who lies there dead, was that Romeo’s faithful wife. I married them; their secret wedding day was the day Tybalt died. His untimely death caused the bridegroom to be banished from the city. Juliet was sad because Romeo was gone, not because of Tybalt’s death. To cure her sadness, you arranged a marriage for her with Count Paris. Then she came to me, and, looking wild, she asked me to devise a plan to get her out of this second marriage. She threatened to kill herself in my cell if I didn’t help her. So I gave her a sleeping potion that I had mixed with my special skills. It worked as planned. She seemed to everyone to be dead.
In the meantime I wrote to Romeo and told him to come here on this awful night to help remove her from her temporary grave when the sleeping potion wore off. But the man who carried my letter, Friar John, was held up by an accident. Last night he gave me the letter back. So I came here alone at the hour when she was supposed to wake up. I came to take her out of her family’s tomb, hoping to hide her in my cell until I could make contact with Romeo. But by the time I got here, just a few minutes before Juliet woke up, Paris and Romeo were already dead. She woke up, and I asked her to come out of the tomb with me and endure this tragedy with patience. But then a noise sent me running scared from the tomb. She was too desperate to come with me, and it seems that she killed herself. I know all of this. And her Nurse knows about the marriage too. If any part of this tragedy is my fault, let my old life be sacrificed and let me suffer the most severe punishment.
PRINCE
We have always known you to be a holy man. Where’s Romeo’s man? What does he have to say about this?
BALTHASAR
I brought my master news of Juliet’s death. And then he rode from Mantua here to this tomb. (he shows a letter) Earlier this morning he asked me to give this letter to his father. When he went into the vault, he threatened me with death if I didn’t leave him alone there.
PRINCE
Give me the letter. I’ll look at it. (he takes the letter from BALTHASAR) Where is the count’s page, the one who called the watch? Boy, what was your master doing here?
PAGE
He came with flowers to spread on his lady’s grave. And he asked me to stand far away and leave him alone, and so I did. Then someone with a torch came to open the tomb. So my master drew on him. And then I ran away to call the watch.
PRINCE
(skimming the letter) This letter confirms the friar’s account. It describes the course of their love and mentions the news of her death. Here he writes that he bought poison from a poor pharmacist. He brought that poison with him to this vault to die and lie with Juliet. Where are these enemies? Capulet! Montague! Do you see what a great evil results from your hate? Heaven has figured out how to kill your joys with love. Because I looked the other way when your feud flared up, I’ve lost several members of my family as well. Everyone is punished.
CAPULET
Oh, brother Montague, give me your hand. This is my daughter’s dowry. I can ask you for nothing more.
MONTAGUE
But I can give you more. I’ll raise her statue in pure gold. As long as this city is called Verona, there will be no figure praised more than that of true and faithful Juliet.
CAPULET
The statue I will make of Romeo to lie beside his Juliet will be just as rich. They were poor sacrifices of our rivalry!
PRINCE
We settle a dark peace this morning. The sun is too sad to show itself. Let’s go, to talk about these sad things some more. Some will be pardoned, and some will be punished.
There was never a story more full of pain than the story of Romeo and Juliet.
They all exit.