Passion & poetry

MANILA, Philippines - Poems that rhapsodize the obvious and the perceptible, that which do not demand intellectual work-out, nourish the heart more than they do the soul. There are poems, however, that challenge the intellect, daring and stimulating it to respond to the poet’s emotion, intention, and conviction. When this happens the reactions pour in either positively or negatively, assuming of course that the composition is interesting reading.

The poet’s mission is accomplished upon the completion of his emotional and/or intellectual expression. If his work is lauded then he would know that he has crafted good poetry. If, on the other hand, he gets the flak, he must be noble enough not to defend and justify his opus. To do so will diminish the nobility of poetry.

Not too long ago, one Doc Penpen, a full-pledged medical doctor from Tanay, Rizal, submitted one of his poems to a well-known site for established and budding poets. Instantly, he caused an earthquake so massive that he was overwhelmed by a tsunami of comments, both favorable and critical, so much so that he found himself at the very center of a controversy. His style or the absence of it has catapulted him to prominence.

The academicians were baffled, not knowing how and where to place his brand of poetry. The old school poets were, true to form, flabbergasted while the new school ones were caught off-guard. An animal unknown to both of them came surging into the scene — daringly and defiantly. Frightened of the unknown and the unrest they chose a safe way out by simply disparaging the compositions of Doc Penpen.

Inherently intrepid, Doc Penpen submitted more poems to the site and as expected a tidal wave of comments inundated the site. Some were negative, others approving. Not knowing how to handle his compositions and the generated reactions to them the site’s administrators barred him from the site. Later on, the site was discontinued altogether. Such was the furor Doc Penpen’s poetry caused.

By this time, the flame in Doc Penpen’s heart and mind refused to die down. Instead of moping, he chose to be positive and pro-active. He created his own site founded on three tenets: To touch, to inspire, and to heal. Here, Doc Penpen unraveled his passion for poetry, fusing his philosophies with realities. As a poet, Doc Penpen resists the urge to impress. He is satisfied to express but if in the process some find his works impressive that to him is bonus.

What started as an unpretentious venue for poetry enthusiasts morphed into a compassionate refuge for the disenchanted the disenfranchised, and the disempowered. Before long after its launching, the site, Takipsilim, attracted worldwide attention coming mostly from Pinoys living abroad. Though not part of its original objectives, the site provided overseas Pinoys a forum wherein they could post their poems without fear of rejection, embarrassment from lack of inadequate education, and insecurity arising from perceived incapability. The forum not only inspired the financially, socially, and educationally marginalized but it also, perhaps more importantly, spawned their self-respect.

God does work in wondrous ways! Consider this: A site visitor was feeling so hopeless and helpless that he planned to commit suicide but he chanced on Doc Penpen and had a change of heart. If only for this, Doc Penpen had already fulfilled his mission in this life. This, plus the numerous testimonials that continue to swamp the site, is the reason why Doc Penpen remains unaffected by his detractors.

Doc Penpen encouraged everybody to post their poems with the assurance that the writer would not be judged on the basis of grammar, structure, and all that encompass the composition of a poem. The result was astonishing. Friendships were forged and dormant patriotism was awakened. Enthused by the heart-warming response and to keep the flame burning, Doc Penpen initiated a poetry writing contest the outcome of which had been way beyond his wildest expectations.

Sailing through the contest, he met Ceri Naz online. Ceri, a charismatic and lovely Pinay based in Canada, sharing Doc Penpen’s passion for poetry found herself co-administering the contest known as “I Inspire the World.” Doc Penpen could not have a more able partner. Her coming into the picture further stirred interest so much so that she and Doc Penpen were soon deluged with entries.

On April 10, the awarding ceremony aptly called Friendship Party will be held in Cloud 9 located in Antipolo City. A number of contestants and winners including those who will come from the provinces and abroad will grace the occasion. VIPs such as German Moreno, Boy Abunda and Dingdong Dantes, to name a few, all lovers of the arts, will lend their presence.