abashet/

One of the students in our Creative Writing class at the Maximum Security Prison in Muntinlupa tattooed my name on his left hamstring.  It was his way of saying thank you when we marked the first year I was teaching them in 2008. I had no prepared reaction so all I could say was, “Oh wow.” Then I repeatedly asked him why (nervous reaction, I wasn’t sure how to feel, really it was such an unusual thing for me to see) why why. Then he said, “Wala, nagpapasalamat lang kami sa yo na tinuturuan mo kami magsulat.” (Nothing, we just want to thank you for teaching us how to write.) 

I’m not sure who was more grateful that day - him for the time Rock Ed takes to visit and share some learning or music, or me - for a forever story I have that reflects so graciously and favorably on me. 

How I boast about this all the time.  I will do so until my old age. 

(photo by Zach Lucero 2009)