DEAR GOD (WITH TEXT MESSAGES FROM THE AUTHOR’S FATHER)

by antmen pimentel mendoza

My tatay’s handwriting is all blocks, racing to
the dogear corner of the page. HANDS HELD IN PRAYER
EMOJI. My tatay says everyone at mass sings

so you might as well sing loud for God
and Tatay used to say, remember anak, it’s God
bless you. ROSE EMOJI. My tatay turns 60

in June. Tatay hosts a game show on Facebook Live
for folks back in Barangay San Miguel. TODAY
OUR 29TH YEAR’S WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.

He handmade a title card. On the phone I ask
Tatay what he’s doing for his birthday. I LOVE
YOU, ANAK. On the phone he tells me he won’t marry

again. OKAY KA LANG, ANAK? On the phone he
tells me he’s organizing the delivery
of bags of rice and food to folks sheltering in

place in Barangay San Miguel for his birthday.
DID YOU LIKE NANAY’S FLOWERS? On the phone I cry
on Mother’s day. OKAY, GOOD JOB, ANAK, INGAT.

They Won’t Keep the Doctor Away
digital photograph
Valencia Renate