This is a compilation of literary works I previously made.

3. FOREWORD
The Mirth of the Falling Rain is a compilation of all the literary outputs made in
fulfillment of the requirements of the Creative Writing course. It is a product of the author’s
literary creativity, life experiences and lessons through a lens of roller coaster emotions
beautifully depicted within the limits of lines and space. You may be sailing on a different boat
of personal undertakings, but I am optimistic that you will appreciate its picturesque and feel its
atmosphere. I hope you will find it a potent life-teaching and life-changing piece. Furthermore, I
look forward that you consider it an invaluable addition to your list of timeless poems and
literary pieces. Please do enjoy and leave your comments and suggestions.

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges
is a unique, fast-acting, and long-lasting
spiritual prescription.
-Russell M. Nelson
This compilation of literary works will never be brought to life without the divine
guidance of our loving Father in Heaven from whom I received much inspiration and the love,
support, time, guidance, and generosity of incredibly incredible people whose faith in me was
immovable. I cannot sufficiently express my sincerest gratitude to them all.
I would not be able to get my work done without the tireless creative and constructive
supervision, guidance, technical support, and consideration of our professor, Mr. Wilson
Sayaboc. I admit that I was a little shy at first, but he never failed to create an ambience of
belongingness, of candid cheer, and of sheer insights about life and of our chosen career. Such
virtual meetings are worthy to be cherished and remembered.
It is also my heartfelt thanks and honor to be coached by one of the seasoned teachers in
the Department of Education, our former school head, Mr. Alberto S. Arcilla Jr. Because of
various reasons, it took me nine long years before I finally decided to pursue graduate studies. It
was Mr. Arcilla who kept on reminding us to “Grow where you are planted” and to do it while
we are still young.
I am also grateful to be among a group of dedicated teachers whose passion for learning
is incomparable. I was always amazed by my classmate’s inherent talent, writing prowess, and
words of encouragement which in turn also inspires me to give my best.
I also would like to thank my colleagues whose unseen hands have helped me in so many
ways.
And also, a special thanks to my family for all their never-ending love and support.

5. TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Poem
The Officer and Me --------------------------------------------------- 1
Aaliyah ---------------------------------------------------------- 1
Five Little Kiddies ---------------------------------------------------- 2
The Sea ---------------------------------------------------------- 3
Dave ---------------------------------------------------------- 4
II. Literary Criticism on the Select Poem
Literary Criticism on Crismae Amor C. Elimino’s select poem “Here I Come” --- 5
III. Short Story
Gloria ------------------------------------------------------------ 6
IV. Drama
Gloria the Drama --------------------------------------------------- 9

6. I. Poem
The Officer and Me
When the long-awaited ring soon was heard,
Like the flapping, fluttering flocks of birds;
They hurriedly off to highway crossing,
Onward cried of freedom, laughter wearing.
Ready to receive the offensive host
Officer endeavored they can’t get lost
Grabbed by hand, disband the little army
Alas! He grabbed not the army but me.
Aaliyah
Oh, how great is my joy to finally meet you!
After a long travail, I have finally lay you
Down to slumber, wiggly clingy little brat.
Oh, how we’d wait for your vibrant speech
Of fizzy fuzzy tale of the sky and the beach;
Of gentle complaining and sweet little nothings.

7. Oh, how we’d want to help you grow
Teeny tiny delicate gal, you shall go
And make all your dreams come true.
1
Five Little Kiddies
Five little kiddies, they lost their daddy
And they began to cry
"Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear
We've lost our daddy dear"
"What! Lost your daddy? You joking kiddies
Then we are left to die"
"Waah, waah, waah, waah
Then we all are left to die"
Five little kiddies, they have each other
And they began to cry
"Oh, mother dear, see here, see here
We'll support each other by"
"Put on your strength, you, silly kiddies
Live through as days go by"
"Waah, waah, waah, waah
Live through as days go by"
Five little kiddies, they bear each other
And they began to thrive
"Oh, mother dear, see here, see here
We’ve finally worked it out "
"Put on your smile, dearly mother
Sing through as days go by"
"La, la, la, la

8. Sing through as days go by"
2
The Sea
T’was so long goodly friend
When I saw you oft to talk
Of drowning pavements I’ve walked
On your highway down below.
T’was so long dearest pal
When you listened to my call
Bent an ear long enough
In your eternal pool
T’was so long, T’was so long
When whining whirlwinds throng
Now have ceased to frighten
Become indeed a friend.

9. 3
Dave
We held our hands night and day
And did our labors happy and gay
And talked about us and our family.
When things got rough and tough
You caught the fiery whips and feisty whims
That were for me, without complain.
When we were once unruly kids
Went swimming by ourselves, made me live
You pulled me from summoning grave.
Oh, how that horrible call pierced me still
You were on the other side of the veil
No more to be touched, yet alive in our hearts.

10. 4
II. Literary Criticism on the Select Poem
Literary Criticism on Crismae Amor C. Elimino’s select poem
“Here I Come”
Tic-tac, tic-tac
The ticking of the clock goes shock
Tic-tac, tic-tac
The ticking of the clock goes shock
Ding-dong, ding-dong
The clashing of the bell goes wrong
Knock-knock, knock-knock
The tapping of the door goes real
Lub-dub, lub-dub
The beating of the heart, not still
“Here I Come” by Crismae Amor C. Elimino is a beautiful ten-verse poem which
creatively pictures a young lover who came to visit his/ her special someone’s home. Based on
the title, it can be inferred that the young lover is the speaker of the poem and is addressing it to
his/her loved one. The author through excellent and vivid use of sound devices such as of
onomatopoeia and repetition throughout the poem effectively relates the feeling of unexplainable
emotion. Although the ticking of the clock, ringing of the doorbell, and tapping of the door are
just ordinary and usual sounds yet in the poem these are used to signify a crucial trembling
moment of waiting wherein its turnout is yet uncertain. The last verse of the poem, “The beating
of the heart, not still” implies nervousness, shyness, and excitement specially felt when visiting
for the first time the home of someone special you are courting or in relationship with yet full of
courage to win the family’s favor and approval.
This short but compact lyric poetry’s tone is nervous and anxious but on the other hand, it
impresses into the readers mind the vigor and ecstasy of young love, an awakening romance so

11. courageous that it could even break the walls of timidity and cowardice. It is a very vibrant and
colorful aspect of human life. It has also made me look back at my personal experience on love
which was also not that easy. It further depicts how many of us would risk or even gamble come
what may in order to win that romantic love. It is a yearning so characteristic to everyone
regardless of age and status. No matter what kind of love it is, it is something worth searching,
worth waiting, and worth valuing.
5
III. Short Story
Gloria
This is indeed the first decision I made for myself.
I was silently listening to the loud racing pounds of my heart as I sit alone in a crowd.
“Whoo! This is it!”, I sighed in excitement of the unknown, of an adventure to be journeyed by
and with no one else, a conquest of a lifetime with unsettling feelings of thrill, fright and relief
that at last my dreams are within the grasp of my hands. I cannot help but entertain the
unceasing streams of thoughts. They were speedily flashing in my mind.
What’s with a name? I often wonder if it is really true that our names somehow speak of
our personality. I sometimes fancy supposing my life truly was such an extreme bliss and of
crowning splendor and glory.
“Gloria! Gloria! Gloria!” there was a loud, angry call on the door. Those heavy and
urgent taps had stricken me with terror. I came down rushing to open it.
“What took you so long? You’re such a slowpoke!” he said furiously as he entered the
house and tried to straighten his wobbly steps up the staircase.
Roberto was drunk again, and I was left to sit on the wooden bench with a deep sigh. I
didn’t know what to do. His drinking was now more frequent. He had accumulated several
unpaid debts at our neighbor’s store due to alcoholic drinks. Consequently, we scarcely have
enough for our needs. I had always envisioned the best in life for my five children. How it
breaks my heart to see them suffer like this.
I was then determined to do any lawful means of living I could find. Thankfully, a goodly
rich matron had hired me to do the laundry once a week. I also accept whatever odd jobs I
could find. The rest of the days, I sold vegetables in the neighborhood. Although, I only get
meager income, but what else could I ask for? After all, I have not even graduated in

12. elementary school. I am grateful though for we managed to make it sufficient enough to have
food on our table thrice a day and to send my children to school.
After doing the old matron’s laundry one day, I went straight home and was shocked to
see our things scattered on the floor. It was really a mess. I went inside to see what was going
on. There on the wooden bench Roberto was lying. His other leg on the floor and the other on
the bench while his arms open wide and was totally unaware of the world around him.
6
Great was my exasperation that I exclaimed, “Is this really the only thing you know how
to do! You are such a misery! I accepted whatever job I could do to fill that which you should
have done but you didn’t. You, you are so irresponsible. You are negligent. You let our children
go hungry! You are shameless!”
“Shut yyyoouuurrrr sillllyyy mouth Glooorrriiia. Ennoough of your nagging!”, he tried to
make clear his stammering speech as he slowly rose from where he was lying.
“Yeah, you are right, this is really enough. We can’t take it anymore!”
“Shut your damn mouth or else …”
“Or else, what? You are no less than a real jerk who only knows to love yourself!”
Then a swift unexpected right jab fell on my face. I cried desperately due to the pain it
caused me. The children suddenly ran downstairs.
“Mama . . .! Mama! How could you hit our mother?”, my children were crying so hard.
“Get out! Go away and never come back!”, I shouted angrily at Roberto.
He packed a few clothes in a bag and head his way off.
“We will never leave you ma.”, Shaira said.
“We will always stay beside you.”, Shaina told.
“We will help you in all everything you do.”, Shaun muttered.
“We can do it.”, Shaul said.
“We can fight this together!”, suggested Shayne.
Since then, my children have helped me more earnestly in vending and in all the odd
jobs I did. Raising children as a solo parent, no question, was really a huge responsibility and
though it was hard, I was so happy because my children were here with me. What a wonderful
blessing that we made it through thick and thin!
For more than a year, I have not heard of him until one day I saw him with another
woman. They romantically held each other’s hands. The pain I felt was beyond description. It

13. still cut my heart so deep, yet at the same time, I was also relieved that such a nightmare of
married life had now come to a close.
I admit, the ecstasy of imagining a love so sweet and true to finally arrive had remained
alive deep within. I sometimes questioned the Almighty why such frenzy, such romantic love
had eloped with time. It was nonetheless only such a big fantasy and had remained as elusive
as my childhood dreams.
It was hard to imagine then what this life would have for me. My children were right.
We had no other option left but to move on, to endure this life well together. After we
7
arduously wrestled for life, after all we had been through, I just can hardly perceive how we
made it. My flight attendant, Shaina, had always encouraged me to travel. Shaun, on the other
hand, now an engineer, had always motivated me to lay off a little bit from what my routinary
life dictates and venture new pathways. According to Shaira, this could help me discover more
possibilities, freshen me up, and add me new vigor. Shaul and Shayne also added that somehow
this is a special gift I so deserve, a treat I could reward myself for all the selfless sacrifices I had
made.
I must admit, these things gave me thrill and untold excitement, however, there was
hesitation at the back of my mind. Fear of the unknown was inevitable and was so true to me.
“Excuse me miss, is it okay to sit beside you?” I was suddenly cut from all those
reminiscing. I was taken aback by a deep manly voice I was not familiar with. I lifted my eyes to
see who’s talking. He was tall and was irresistibly charismatic in his fifties. I found it hard for
words to come out from my dry throat, but I managed though stuttering to say “Okay”.
A few minutes later, a pre-flight announcement was heard “Ladies and gentlemen
welcome on board Flight 47B departing to Vancouver. Fasten your seatbelts and secure your
hand luggage properly.”
What’s with a name? Whether it be of beauty, of bliss, of thanksgiving, adoration,
prosperity, of praise, honor and exaltation. . . It is something we have to create for ourselves.
And as for me, it is the decision I made for myself.

14. 8
IV. Drama
Gloria the Drama
[Early dusk. On board PAL Flight 74B. A WOMAN named GLORIA in late fifties sat by the plane’s
window. While sitting, she felt both the excitement and fear.]
Gloria: [Excited] “Whoo! This is it!”
She was silently listening to the loud racing pounds of her heart. She had unsettling feelings of
thrill, fright, and relief that at last her dreams are within the grasp of her hands. Then many
things came back to memory. They were speedily flashing in her mind.
Gloria: [Thoughtful] “What’s with a name?”
Gloria often wondered if it is really true that our names somehow speak of our personality. She
sometimes fancy supposing her life truly was such an extreme bliss and of crowning splendor
and glory.
[Angry and urgent call with loud taps on the door.]
Roberto: [Drunk] Gloria! Gloria! Gloria!
[Gloria, stricken me with terror, came down rushing to open the door.]
Roberto: [Furious] What took you so long? You’re such a slowpoke!
[After the door was opened, Roberto entered the house while trying to straighten his wobbly
steps up the staircase. Gloria then sits on the wooden bench with a deep sigh.]
Roberto’s drinking was more frequent. He had accumulated several unpaid debts at their
neighbor’s store due to alcoholic drinks. Consequently, they scarcely have enough for their
needs. Gloria had always envisioned the best in life for her five children. How it breaks her heart
to see them suffer like this.
Gloria: I need to do something for a living. I cannot just sit still. There must be a way, any lawful
means of living I could find will do.
[In the market. Gloria happened to meet Martha her longtime friend.]
Martha: Gloria! Long time no see! How are you? I think you’re a little bit slimmer now. Are you
okay?
Gloria: Well, as usual, always trying to be okay. What else should be done? I chose this life for

15. me.
Martha: [Tapping her shoulder] You don’t have to feel sorry about that. Have you forgotten
how blessed you are with your children? In fact, many of our friends would wish their
children are like yours. I know there’s always a rainbow after the rain.
Gloria: Yeah, I think you are right, and I hope it would be as what you said.
Martha: Ah by the way, my lady boss’ laundress had quit working. Are you interested? I can
assure that she’ll treat and pay you well. So, are you in?
9
Gloria: [Overwhelmed. Speechless for few seconds.] Yeah, yeah, yes! I so need it badly right
now.
Martha’s boss immediately let Gloria start working. She does their laundry twice a week. She
also accepted other odd jobs. The rest of the days, she sold vegetables in the neighborhood.
Although, these did not promise her so much financial stability, but what else could I ask for?
After all, she had not even graduated in elementary school. Still, they managed to make it
sufficient enough to have food on their table thrice a day and send her children to school.
After doing the laundry one day, Gloria went straight home and was shocked to see their things
scattered on the floor. It was really a mess. She went inside to see what was going on. There on
the wooden bench Roberto was lying. His other leg on the floor and the other on the bench
while his arms open wide and was totally unaware of the world around him. Great was her
exasperation that she exclaimed.
Gloria: Is this really the only thing you know how to do! You are such a misery! I accepted
whatever job I could do to fill that which you should have done but you didn’t. You, you
are so irresponsible. You are negligent. You let our children go hungry! You are
shameless!
[Roberto tried to make clear his stammering speech as he slowly rose from where he was lying.]
Roberto: Shut yyyoouuurrrr sillllyyy mouth Glooorrriiia. Ennoough of your nagging!
Gloria: Yeah, you are right, this is really enough. We can’t take it anymore!
Roberto: Shut your damn mouth or else …
Gloria: Or else, what? You are no less than a real jerk who only knows to love yourself!
Then a swift unexpected right jab fell on my face. I cried desperately due to the pain it caused
me. The children suddenly ran downstairs.
Children: [Crying hard] Mama . . .! Mama! How could you hit our mother?
Gloria: [Shouted angrily at Roberto.] Get out! Go away and never come back!
He packed a few clothes in a bag and head his way off.
Shaira: We will never leave you ma.
Shaina: We will always stay beside you.
Shaun: We will help you in all everything you do.
Shaul: We can do it.
Shayne: We can fight this together!”, suggested Shayne.

16. Since then, Gloria’s children have helped her more earnestly in vending and in all the odd jobs
she did when they have no class. Raising children as a solo parent, no question, was really a
tough responsibility and though it was hard, Gloria was so happy because her children were
there for her. For more than a year, she had not heard of him until one day she saw him with
another woman. They romantically held each other’s hands. The pain she felt was beyond
description. It still cut her heart so deep, yet at the same time, she was also relieved that such a
nightmare of her married life had now come to a close.
10
At the living room one night, Gloria confessed to her children what she saw.
Shayne: I know ma how hard losing a husband is because we too have lost a father.
Shaul: Well, I guess we have no other option left but to move on, to endure this life well
together. Right?
All the other children: Yeah right!
[They hugged each other.]
[Few years later]
After they arduously wrestled for life, Shaina is now a flight attendant, Shaun, an engineer;
Shaira is now a doctor. Shaul, an architect, and Shayne, a businesswoman. Shaun, Shaul, and
Shayne were working abroad.
[One day. They had a virtual family call via Zoom.]
Shaina: Ma, I guess it’s already high time that you give yourself a break! Why don’t you travel
abroad?
Gloria: Shai, I am happy here. Besides it will just be a waste of money. Just save it. Okay!
Shaun: Ma, sometimes it is good to lay off a little bit from what our routinary life dictates and
venture new pathways. Maybe it will give the chance to meet your forever. . .
All sons and daughters: [Giggling and teasing] Whoa! Mr. Forever here she comes.
Gloria: Look at me! I am too old for such a thing. . .
Shaira: This is not just about love life, Ma. Who knows? This might help you discover more
possibilities, freshen you up, and add you new vigor.
Gloria: Afterall, you were always by my side, I cannot afford to lose sight of you even for a
second. Did you know that?
Shaul: Of course, Ma. We know that. Just think it over. Consider this a special gift
you so deserve, a treat you reward yourself for all the selfless sacrifices you have made.
Shayne: Don’t you worry Ma; we will answer all the expenses. You do not have to make it
alone. We will follow you there.
Gloria must admit, these things has thrilled her. Despite the untold excitement, there was
hesitation at the back of her mind. Fear of the unknown was inevitable and was so true to her.
[ A man approached Gloria]
Man: Excuse me miss, is it okay to sit beside you?”

17. She was suddenly cut from all those reminiscing. She was taken aback by a deep manly voice.
She lifted her eyes to see who’s talking. He was tall and was irresistibly charismatic in his fifties.
she found it hard for words to come out from her dry throat.
Gloria: Uh. . .yeah . . . sure.
A few minutes later, a pre-flight announcement was heard
Flight Attendant: Ladies and gentlemen welcome on board Flight
4B7departing to Vancouver. Fasten your seatbelts and secure your hand
luggage properly.”
11
Meet the Author
Glory Jane S. Balnig was born in a coastal Barangay of Balamban, Province of Cebu in
April of 1990. She was eldest among five siblings. She graduated her basic education in the said
locality and obtained her degree Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in English at
Cebu Normal University. She is currently taking up Master of Arts in Education Major in English
Teaching at Cebu Technological University Main Campus. She had served as an SEF-funded
teacher at Gaas National High School for a year and is now connected with the Department of
Education for seven years.
The exuberance of a simplistic life of the small fishing village where their family lived,
and the vibrant and colorful sunset made her grow up with increasing fondness of the sea and
its related activities as a little girl. It has always been part of her bittersweet memories and
witness of her important milestones. No wonder it was her common themes of high school
poems and other compositions.
Now that she is already a teacher and a mother of three wonderful children, she is
driven to help students love the art of breathing life though words, literature. Should she be
given the luxury of time, she yearned to make children stories and short stories that would
bring readers back to their jubilant youth, stories that inspire, and above all, stories that teach
valuable and timeless life’s lessons.

18. 12