Today Was Okay

Earlier today, I tripped over my feet when I got out of bed. 

My hands planted firmly on the ground, and the tip of my nose kissed the surface of the tiles. Still, when I went into the dining room, the scent of freshly fried eggs on the table overcame me. The warm yolk ran over the bed of rice like sunlight on my face, and it was okay.

Earlier today, I squeezed the tube of toothpaste too hard and made a tacky red-and-blue mess overflow onto the bristles. 

The foam dribbled over my mouth and made like a poor man’s goatee. Still, I hopped into the shower and let the water wash over the hills of my tense shoulders. The droplets raced after each other at the same speed I played tag in with my childhood schoolmates, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, traffic struck on an already busy street. When manong slammed on the brakes too hard, I lunged forward and change went flying out of my embroidered wallet.

Metal clanged against the jeepney floor. Still, the young father next to me picked the coins up one by one. His daughter bounced on his knee and stuck her tongue out for me to see. And there, I was back asleep in the sidecar next to my lola after a long day at the wet market, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, the heat on my walk to school latched on the surface of my forehead and sizzled its way downstream. 

Streets clamored with honks and chatter, invading my ears with nothing but gritty noise. Still, the car’s horn let out its long, drawn-out beep. Suddenly, it was fiesta again in my barangay, with the euphony of a marching band, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, my face flushed pink after I got a question wrong in class. I sat down in shame and ducked my face into my palms.

I counted all the blinding lights on the ceiling, waiting for the time to pass. Still, they flickered and wavered every half-second, giving my weary eyes a moment’s rest. A glowing angel heaven-sent fluttered her eyelashes at me, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, I ate alone, hunched in the corner of the quadrangle. 

The air was clean, yet grew stronger with each wave. Still, I breathed in all I could to keep the tears from brimming. The mountain’s summit provided me with much release as I stood atop it, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, rain poured without warning and sank my feet in its murky waters.

My socks grew soaked by the second, with the grey bleeding into the clean white. Still, I drew my umbrella with a knight’s wrath. The pattering above my head applauded in collective merriment for my bravery, and it was okay. 

Earlier today, I came home just in time for sunset.

Invisible weight pressed against my nape. Still, I fought to keep my head high. The hues of orange, red, and pink clashed against each other in the battle of being the brightest star in their nebula. Despite it all, I live to see dusk reign the skies once more.

Earlier today, the world tipped over first thing in the morning. And still, it was okay.