love in the cornhusks

Aida-L. River-Ford

Graduated with an AB degree, major in English, cum laude , at Siliman University

Obtained an MA in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan

Won the prestigious Jules and Avery Hopwood for fiction

She taught at the University of Mindanao and Ateneo de Davao University for 11 years

Awardee in the Philippine Government Parangal for Writers of the post-war years

President of Ford Academy of the Arts

Born on: January 22, 1929In Jolo, Sulu

Davao Writers Workshop 2010 (May 3- 7, 2010)

Tinang

a young woman

neat and

clean

works in the service of a very

rich family

envied and admired by

other laborers

because of her

complexion

BeforeMARRIAGE

AfterMARRIAGE

Tinang

unkempt and tired-

looking

married to Inggo

has a baby always

straddled to her hips

bears another

child

One day…

Seῆora

pitied Tinang’s fate and appearance

gave Tinang some dresses and bundles of clothes for her baby

was asked by Tinang if she could be the madrina of her baby’s

baptism

told Tinang about a letter that arrived in the post office for her

Mrs., do you want a medicine for

your baby or for yourself?

No, I came for my letter. I was told I

have a letter.

And what is your name, Mrs?

Constantina Tirol…

Tirol, Tirol, Tirol…

Do you want me to read it for you?

No, no.

The Letter

My Dearest Tinay,

Hello, how is life getting along? Are you still in good condition? As for myself, the same as usual. But you’re far from my side. It’s not easy to be far from our lover.

Tinay, do you still love me? I hope your kind and generous heart will never fade. Someday or somehow I’ll be there again to fulfill our promise.

Many weeks and months have elapsed. Still I remember our bygone days. Especially when I was suffering with the heat of the tractor under the heat of the sun. I was always in despair until I imagine your personal appearance coming forward bearing the sweetest smile that enabled me to view the distant horizon.

Tinay, I could not return because I found that my mother was very ill. That is why I was not able to take you as a partner of life. Please respond to my missive at once so that I know whether you still love me or not. I hope you did not love anybody except myself.

I think I am going beyond the limit of your leisure hour, so I close with best wishes to you, my friends Gonding, Serafin, Bondio, etc.

Yours forever,Amado

P.S. My mother died last month.Address your letter:Mr. Amado GalauranBinalunan, Cotabato

Amado &

Tinang

Tractor Driver

The End

Love is a SACRIFICE. It could mean; to flee fromour personal interests.

A mother’s love is far more than what we know She can always die in order for a child to live.

Our decisions affect other people. Hence, in everything that we decide for, it must be

Coming from a practical wisdom.

We cant hurry love. It can wait, help, and come In the right time for people who deserve it.

THEME:

LOVE