Steve Silas Hendrickson
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phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Steve Silas Hendrickson
@phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
89 followers 79 following 560 posts
"Mamunduong tawo" 🌈🇵🇭
| Vocabularian | Folklorist | Gay Widower | Bicolano Poet |

Featured on One Line October Anthology 2025. 🖋️

One of the hosts for: #BastardPoetsOfDoom

CPTSD, Bipolar Type 2, OSDD-1a with DPDR, MaDD, AuADHD
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phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Steve Silas Hendrickson @phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social · Oct 19
Not a poem this time, but a sneak peak into a part of my culture that resonated with me a long time ago.

#Bicolano #philippines #thoughts #language #folklore
I remember a local phrase from where I live: “Mamunduong tawo.” It’s used to describe people like me. When I once asked my professor about its origin, he told me it came from an old belief: that sadness is born from worldly things, and that only by letting go of them can one enter heaven, where true happiness exists. So when someone is sad, they say that person: the “tawo”, becomes tied to the world, the “mundo”, and weighed down by it. It’s a Bicolano belief, likely influenced by the early spread of Catholicism in our region, but I was never able to ask for clarification, and its authenticity. It does make some sense however.
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I'm not Hansel who needs to look for thrown breadcrumbs.

#Sensewrds 183 #poem #poetrycommunity #folklore #fairytale #writer #WritingCommunity
Daybreaker Running through dawn, Remembering where I ran from.... The bread I threw behind I can't see them anymore... At first I feared I'll forever Remain lost and hidden In the shame I was imposed on, In the blame I was impaled on. I look at where I am, More peaceful than the fort... The pathway seemed cleaner, Less sharper and far better... Sun peaking through the mountain, Seemed peaceful, that I'm certain. It's fine, I am the daybreaker... I am now. By grasslands I won't wither, And quiet I'll find laughter, Without Blue's old wither Without Blue's old ender.
February 11, 2026 at 1:07 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Basically how my other modes talk to me and the background whenever I write.

Does anyone else go through this?

#Inkmine #poem #poetrycommunity #OSDD #writer #WritingCommunity
Small Conversation "You must write this" "You have to say this" "Noo, he can't say that He will sound amiss!" "You don't get it" "It's just a tiny bit— Maybe a bit of a jig It's going to be lit!" grumble grumble "No no, he'll never know If he can't craft a joke And keep furrowing his brow Like an aged cow" grumble mutter grumble "No, that symbol's way off! And he's "*scoff*" oh now he scoffs You're writing is way off, You'll sound like a coug—" ENOUGHHHHHH!!!!!!
February 10, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Steve Silas Hendrickson
robertjw4688.bsky.social
I will get out of this funk. Today is a new day to try!

#vss365 #ache #emoetry #delighted #poetry #mentalhealth #positivity #recovery #pma
THE ILLUSIVE TRY I'm gazing within my own abyss and I'm finding doves and novels along with the ache. The illusive try is flashing loud today. Maybe I will liberate myself from this after all. The purpose is in the callouses not the bed sores. My skull fills with the delight of a million crumbs of circus. I am the rope I climb!
February 10, 2026 at 1:52 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
My god...

My account was messed up by my dad so much I had to beg the representative helping me to work with a solution. Thankfully, she was able to find a fix to my issue, and I did get a new phone at the end too, and my stolen phone number back.

It took three hours but it was worth it!
February 10, 2026 at 7:07 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Story of my life in the last few months up to present.

#BlueSkyPoetry #BSPP50 #February #poetry #poetryCommunity
Man Who Left His Cocoon I'm longing for some peace time Without risking my safety, or any of my dime... It's such a simple wish that, I wanna finish...what...? What do you mean I can't? Not longing for a rough time Didn't sign up for a kayak ride, rough waters be damned... I cannot just accept that, What happened to the golden road? Paradise I'm told? Was it all just a lie? Am I being denied? I cannot just accept this! Shadows would dance They blend horizons close to me It's a passion, harder, I need to push! Whyyyyyyyyy? I must try I will try I'll get it It's just a couple of years so I I won't die Until I am fine It's been years All my tears I found it And I kept working til it's mine And then I realized I didn't know I got here....
February 10, 2026 at 5:32 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I wanted to talk about the feeling of being too much. I hope it worked.

@daveashleypoet.bsky.social
-Sumptuous
@mwplovesmusic.bsky.social
-Delighted
@sonnetsmith.bsky.social
-Plumage

#WildWalkPrompt #emoetry #FreeVerseFebruary #Blueskypoets #writesky #writingprompt #nature
Feast Lonely, lonely, I cannot be satisfied today... My plumage is standing Frisson goose bumps They're the same! Ahh, maybe, I cannot deal with hunger now. I'll be so delighted If I eat a Gigantic, full meal! I can imagine a strawberry pie It's making me so hungry, not gonna lie, I'm such a glutton, but it's too sumptuous Please don't call me presumptuous... I need too many things, Am I (too much)..... I need a Treat and a Digestive right now! One two three An aperitif... Am I such a bad person For asking so much? Oh my, oh my, I'm a glutton, yes, oh my..... I learned the lesson though Don't ever mess with the Cookie dough!
February 10, 2026 at 5:07 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I'm adulting.

I'm clearing up my name with my cell provider.

I'm more than enough.

I'm doing fine.

I'm not gonna overthink this.

(This is just self therapy talk to calm my nerves)
February 10, 2026 at 4:21 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I wanna give everyone who participated in my #BastardPoetsOfDoom prompt a massive thank you.

To be frank, this part of my culture is slowly fading especially in some provinces of the Bicol Region, and there are small and hidden communities in Naga City trying to keep it alive, but it needed a boost
February 9, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Steve Silas Hendrickson
daveashleypoet.bsky.social
#BastardPoetsOfDoom

took a leaf from @jenthorne.bsky.social but I have huge imposter syndrome
February 9, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Reposted by Steve Silas Hendrickson
jenthorne.bsky.social
A great prompt word @dragonslayerma.bsky.social thank you.

#promptcombo #ecstasy
#poems #poetry
Shivers A hand settles in the small of my back, a quiet claim, a gentle pull. His thumb traces with slow insistence, a warm, unhurried promise on my skin. Shivers climb the length of me, curling into a flutter behind my ribs. Heat gathers along my cheeks, glowing softly behind my eyes as I lean into his warmth. In that suspended breath, that muted longing, thought loosens its hold, giving way to sensation. A pulse of anticipation for the ecstasy held just out of reach.
February 9, 2026 at 2:14 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Sans Retour
No Return

Doors closed—
Doors imposed.

@daveashleypoet.bsky.social

#FreeVerseFebruary #return #poem #poetrycommunity #BlueskyPoets #writer #WritingCommunity
Sans Retour You said you'd never falter, And yet your words did alter... What happened to your center, Did you distance this semester? Remember when... Remember when I made that portrait I paid for without a shorcut, I said you're sweet like parfait, And now you're bitter like corporate... Then you declared.. With fangs you bared... I was your enemy, beware, I cried for days, you weren't aware... Lost myself and no one cared Until the ER I received some care... And lastly, Six months flatly... I'm now gladly... Not dying by your point of view, No need to vanish in your blue... Graced myself with verses I accrued.. The language of myself without a feud— And now I'm free, you miserable prude.
February 9, 2026 at 9:48 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
A rejection of labels, a rejection of slander.

#emoetry #challenged #poem #poetrycommunity #writer #WritingCommunity
Temper Eternally in vain, Nothing will I gain— When challenge of my sin Presented on your chin Proudly to display Failures to dismay Slander my own name, Challenge my good name.... Emotion is a notion, Feelings for my nation Inflicted with derision, When you made incisions On my personhood, When I did good.... I never had the temper I survived until December, Blue is my reminder Beseech you never Until a crutch I never need, A crutch I'll never bleed, Return to you no more... Return you forevermore.
February 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Remind me again why I have to work at 1:15 AM later?

#NightShiftLife
February 9, 2026 at 3:24 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Last one for today.
It felt fitting for my style, I think.

#WildWalkPrompt #wallaby #prompt #writesky #BlueskyPoets #writingprompt #nature #5amwritersclub
Flight Of A Wallaby I better run away *bark bark bark* I need to get away I cannot be eaten They must be mistaken I must run away I need to get away The meadows there's no shelter From dingoes helter-skelter I must run away Indeed get away Feral dogs would chase me A steak they all could see me From dingoes trails of silver And humans know no better *thump thump thump thump thump thump thump* *thump thump thump thump thump thump thump* I must get away *bark bark bark* I better get away I'm better at my hopping So useful when I'm scrambling The dogs go hither dither My pace goes meter by meter I better get away This far I went astray The burrow is so close These critters are so deadly They hunger when they're ang— I made it to my burrow My brows need not furrow.... I can sleep... I can...re...lax....
February 9, 2026 at 3:04 AM
Reposted by Steve Silas Hendrickson
jenthorne.bsky.social
#BastardPoetsOfDoom

@sonnetsmith.bsky.social
@daveashleypoet.bsky.social
@phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social #grumpy.
#poetry #tigsik

I hope I've done you proud, Steve. I really enjoyed this one.
Comparison is a Path to Grumpiness So funny, so fast and so brave He must have a muse as his slave Although he might oft misbehave I wish I could write just like Dave. Now for a man with unmatched skill His poems twist, amuse, entrap until the crescendo supplies the thrill I wish I could write just like Quill.
February 8, 2026 at 9:49 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
A tribute to my late husband, Ryan.

I don't want him erased, I want him remembered as the man who reshaped my life for the better.

Yes, I live here in the Uplands where his house stood, hence the title.

I'll miss and love him forever.

#Sensewrds 182
Uplands They said the grass isn't always green, When I met you, I was seen... The time I dragged you to KFC Because Mitsuo-san is closed... I was keen... (it's fine, we can go somewhere else) I rolled my eyes at lettuce green, You joked I act like thirteen— Raised my brow, told you in between The table... I'm 200 divided by 15. You laughed a lot. Then the Uplands we then drove And inside I marveled at your stove... Told me this was your cove Away from noise and crosses From your home... I was blissful when I stayed, The quaver rumbled while I played Some blast beats while you prayed I don't burn the chicken, How dare you sir... The Uplands now my home, Except your presence without you so... I don't mind, this is our home... I'll honor you, gom... Forever till I'm home..
February 9, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Reposted by Steve Silas Hendrickson
suzydobie.bsky.social
#BastardPoetsOfDoom
#grumpy
#Valentine
#tigsik
@daveashleypoet.bsky.social
#poetry #poetrycommunity
February 8, 2026 at 3:46 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I roasted myself for fun!

I know it's mostly self deprecating, but that's just who I am. 😂 Bicol version incoming

#BastardPoetsOfDoom
A Tigsik On Myself I commend my own self, Strangers get tired of myself— Nitpick problems with myself, Until they get tired of myself.... However... Shoutout to my own parents, They never loved me, not a cent, My own birth they do resent, Until I grew up discontent. Despite all this, I'll just think, that... I salute my sadness, My dissociation became relentless, Until I age in quiescence, To my grave I'll take, without holiness.
February 8, 2026 at 11:55 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
The anger from the last two days faded, and the result is this.

I'm leaning heavily on mythology here, but I love folklore and myths.

@mwplovesmusic.bsky.social
@blueskypoetry.bsky.social

#emoetry #blissful
#BlueSkyPoetry #BSPP50 #February #poetry #poetryCommunity
Blissful Heat Swaying, swaying Heat waves on the road.. Cannot feel the heating on the go, Chase you, chase you Going down the road.. This is your dream Karma from your scheme... Quavers blasting beats on an ancient drum.... This is it, threads capture the scum— You are doomed. Karma is the accumulation of actions— Motion of your notions... You will be aware! The flames of your karma, a blissful fare! Twisting knitting the echoes of your care— Fires of the dharma, beyond the august ware, A flashback of your woes. Spinning and moving, you are now aware! The circle of your sins prorated to your years, Fires of your karma, blissful in your square... Avicii you will end up!
February 8, 2026 at 7:37 PM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Since it's officially Sunday, I will now present the prompt and form for the #BastardPoetsOfDoom

Your prompt today is #grumpy. Your task is to write three of these in English of the same subject in one page. Have fun, and don't overthink it!

#poetrycommunity #tigsik #rawitdawit #Bicol
Steve's Poetry Challenge: Tigsik For this prompt, I will introduce you all to a Bicolano poetry form (rawitdawit) locally called the Tigsik (prounounced teeg-sic). In English, tigsik means "I commend" , "I salute", "I point out", or in modern internet speak, "shout-out." It is a short poetry form consisting of one stanza, similar to a haiku, but there are four lines with roughly eight syllables each, but this can be flexible (as long as it's not too long). Each line should rhyme, whether with an end rhyme, an assonance, or an internal rhyme. The tone of a tigsik is usually a roast, a salute, a commendation, or a (friendly) joke about a person. The goal is to be as humorous or lamentful as possible while (lightly) roasting the subject; a jest if you will. For example: English: Salute to my dear father, Whose emotions are way farther... The only time he gets nearer Is to ask for some bail offer. Bicol: (Tigsik ko ang ama ko Ang pagkamoot abang rayo, Naiisip niya man lang ako Pangpyansa niya ta ako nagpaldo.) Or: English: Shoutout to my dissociation. It weakens my emotions— The joy I find in medication, Outlasts their attenuation. Bicol: (Tigsik ko an sakong pagkahuri, Ta pirmi akong mayo sa sadiri— Bulong nawawara an ogma sa sadiri Pag sinda na naghahali.) Or: English: I commend Mitsuo-san, The best cook in Naga, Even though he's quieter than a pan And sourly than his fans. Bicol: (Tigsik ko si Mitsuo-san, Pinakamaurag na paraluto sa Naga Mas tuninong sa kawali, saka Buwisit sa panatiko niya)
February 8, 2026 at 5:30 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
And of course my Starlink dish arm had to come loose...

Thank goodness for all those times Ryan taught me how to use a ladder so I can get up there and screw the damn thing..

(We have no cell service or fiber/DSL where I live so I don't have a choice with the internet.)
February 8, 2026 at 5:05 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Tentacle, forever disapproving and critical, is critiquing my work.

Ungrateful bastard, after all the Yorkshire pudding I made for him today. Hmph. 😑
My tablet on my bed with my purple octopus plushie named Tentacle staring at the screen.
February 8, 2026 at 3:47 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Double prompt this time.

@daveashleypoet.bsky.social
-Piecemeal
@sonnetsmith.bsky.social
-Ascend

I'm trying to expand my voice from pure confessional to some fantasy with my voice in it.

I hope it worked.

#WildwalkPrompt #FreeVerseFebruary #writesky #BlueskyPoets #nature #5amwritersclub
Mirrorwalk Beholden on the floor, While I ascend and some more... Notes walk with every step I take I cast Mirrorwalk, increase the pace I make. A piecemeal of my tries Recorded on walls and my cries, I gave grace, even if faulty were my venture And into the top where I mirror my adventure.. And near the top, I meet a mirror of snowdrop, Begged me to tell it anything, and so I went: "Mirror mirror on the wall, I'm the fairest of them all." "You're the best, you're so blessed, a saint." "Mirror mirror on the wall, you surely don't jest." "I don't jest, I just say what I meant." Reflection on the floor, My vision, no longer poor I embrace the quiver of my grandeur... I cast Mirrorwalk... Final time on this loch... And none will balk... At the fairest of them all.
February 8, 2026 at 3:19 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
Oh yayy, we have an orange rainfall alert.

Thankfully I live up here in the mountains, but I'm worried about the water flow downstream into the city below...

Hopefully no one gets flooded.
February 8, 2026 at 2:28 AM
phylogeneticsteve.bsky.social
I may have found a new flashback trigger from my past...

Anything related to Fanta...

I'm not gonna cry...no...
February 8, 2026 at 2:07 AM