By: Batong-Apog

Illustrations from: LDR

(Warning: This article contains disturbing contents)

Here we go again with the undying horror stories on halloween, but this one’s not your typical narrative. Let us ditch the haunting soul wanderers, jump-scare faces, and goosebumps and cold sweats over paranormal presence. And let me take you to an early tour to the richest yet obnoxious destination for November 1st – the cemetery. 

Why richest? Take it from Les Brown

“The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” 

So now tell me, what can be more haunting than your buried dreams? The goals you once planned when you were so young, innocent, and optimistic? Because during those times you thought the world is easy and anything is achievable.

And now being a grown up – a little mature, wise, and practical if you will – just like the “adults” who said that the music scene is too big for you, that you’re too small to dunk on Kobe, that your poems cannot feed a family, that your looks don’t fit on stage or a pointed shoe cannot hold your weight.

What can be more terrifying than these voices echoing at the back of your head. Well, the worst part is you accepted that fate. You buried your dreams and now you become one of the ghosts you feared before. 

Let’s admit it. 

You don’t blame the kid for dreaming.
You don’t blame the kid for planning.
You don’t blame the kid for getting discouraged. 
You don’t blame the kid for lacking resources.

You don’t blame the kid for judging the fate.
You don’t blame the kid for un-planning.

But I blame the kid for giving-up.

I blame the kid for saying he’s too old.
I blame the kid for playing it safe. 

So why don’t you give it another try? Another shot? 

On this break coming up, why don’t you once again; hear the voices, listen carefully; but now, make a response – admit that you’re only mortal and that your time will come BUT SO DOES YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. It does not mean a total turn-away from your sustaining career as of the moment, but probably a little look back.

One step at a time. A step closer to mountain top.

Maybe you just gotta surround yourself with people who share the same vision. Be in an environment that breathes fresh faith and air and more importantly, allow yourself to be you.

I bet I cannot claim this as a horror story no more, because I have a great feeling about our goals. Those clouded voices may whisper at times but they’d stay as a constant reminder that I shall overcome; and I hope you do, too. 

Wishing ya’ll a great holiday. Godspeed, fellas!