Smiles abound
along with warm handshakes
all around.

Words cleverly woven
to touch our hearts
and fuel many a dream.

Poignant images and stories
projecting the supposed fact
of being one at heart
with the masses.

Assurances of a future
bright and bountiful,
a government compassionate and responsible,
honesty and services for all.

Beware, citizen, be discerning
of those good at pretending
and mouthing words that mean nothing,
for now is the season for profuse promising.

(Eric S.B. Libre is a Mindanawon freelance development consultant who has done some work in a number of conflict-affected areas of Mindanao and occasionally dabbles in creative writing. He lives in Digos City, and is proud to be a senior citizen.)