APO ON THE WALL

— BJ PATINO —

There's this man's photo on the wall 

Of my father's office at home, you 

Know, where father brings his work, 

Where he doesn't look strange 

Still wearing his green uniform 

And colored breastplates, where, 

To prove that he works hard, he 

Also brought a photo of his boss 

Whom he calls Apo, so Apo could 

You know, hang around on the wall 

Behind him and look over his shoulders

To make sure he's snappy and all. 

Father snapped at me once, caught me 

Sneaking around his office at home 

Looking at the stuff on his wall-handguns, 

Plaques, a sword, medals a rifle- 

Told me that was no place for a boy 

Only men, when he didn't really 

Have to tell me because, you know, 

That photo of Apo on the wall was already 

Looking at me around, 

His eyes following me like he was 

That scary Jesus in the hallway, saying 

I know what you're doing.

“Apo on the Wall” by BJ Patino is a poem that has evoked a lot of thought and emotion within our group. As eight individuals with different characteristics and experiences, we found ourselves connecting with the poem in different ways. Some of us had been interested in the way it portrays what happened during Martial Law, while others were touched by the child's innocent yet perceptive view of the world around him. Together, we've explored the poem's themes of fear, authority, and the importance of learning from the past. This analysis reflects our perspectives and the shared impact “Apo on the Wall” has had on us. 

We all appreciate “Apo in the Wall” for different reasons. Some of us like how it shows the different perspectives of older and younger generations, highlighting the fear and tension experienced during Martial Law. We all agree that the poem effectively portrays the realities of Martial Law, making us curious about the past and eager to learn more about people's experiences during that time. The poem's depiction of fear and authority, and its portrayal of a child's naive perspective in a complex atmosphere, all contribute to its powerful impact. It also helps us understand the different ways people felt and thought during that time.

Reading this poem evokes a range of emotions. It makes us feel empathy for those who lived through the strict and scary phase of Martial Law. It also brings a sense of relief for those who didn't have to experience it firsthand. However, it also stirs feelings of sadness, especially when we consider the fear that even a child feels towards the leader of the country. The poem's depiction of the emotional weight of living under a strict and controlling government, even from a child's point of view, makes us feel uneasy. We are reminded of the constant presence of power during Martial Law, and the hardships and sacrifices endured by the people.

We came onto that as the poem teaches us about the importance of understanding our history. It reminds us that even children are aware of the world around them and that power, even when not directly felt, can have a great impact on lives. It emphasizes the importance of learning from our past mistakes and working to create a better future. The poem also highlights the importance of maintaining freedoms and acknowledging the fortunate nature of those who don't experience oppression. It emphasizes the need to be careful in choosing our leaders and ensuring that power is not used for selfish desires.

This poem makes us realize that we are fortunate to live in a time of relative freedom. It deepens our appreciation for the past, highlighting the struggles during Martial Law and reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our rights. It inspires us to learn from the past and make better decisions for the future. Not only that, but it also makes us more aware of our civic responsibilities and the importance of participating in democracy. The poem's impact on our beliefs about Martial Law is undeniable, making us reflect on the events of the past and their lasting effects on the present.