Many of us who grew up in English-educated households will remember Edward Lear’s poem, “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat.” It’s a “nonsense” poem that, despite its lack of logical sense, captivated us with its whimsical characters and their fantastical adventures. Who wouldn’t be enchanted by a pig who sells his nose-ring so the owl and pussycat can get married by a turkey? The poem even introduced us to the word “runcible,” a term Lear invented, which later became part of the English dictionary as a “sharp-edged fork with three broad curved prongs.” This influence is a testament to the power of literature, which often impacts us more deeply than reason or logic can.
True literature has a way of embedding itself into our imagination, making even the most absurd stories feel more real than reality itself. Nonsense poetry, like Lear’s work, is disarmingly honest because it doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is. While some literary scholars may overanalyze these works to earn their academic credentials, the beauty of such poetry lies in its simplicity and charm. We can still enjoy the image of the owl and the pussycat dancing “by the light of the moon” and reflect on why we don’t indulge in such simple pleasures ourselves.
Recently, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has also taken on the role of “mother of Philippine education,” has ventured into children’s literature with a book titled Isang Kaibigan (A Friend). It’s always encouraging to see political leaders engage in writing, as it suggests they are thinking critically, understand the consequences of their actions, and seek a positive legacy beyond their time in office.
However, it’s unfortunate that many politicians waste the opportunity to achieve literary greatness by producing self-serving biographies that inflate their achievements while glossing over the more intriguing, often controversial aspects of their careers. Winston Churchill, who not only served as Prime Minister but also won the Nobel Prize for Literature, set the bar high for politician-authors. Jeffrey Archer, a former Conservative MP and successful novelist, has also achieved significant literary success, selling millions of copies of his works. Most others, however, barely scratch the surface.
Vice President Sara’s first foray into literature, a 16-page book, promotes the virtues of friendship, a timely message given the often hostile nature of Philippine politics. This theme aligns with her recent request for a P2-billion budget for her office, which includes P10 million for printing and distributing 200,000 copies of her book. During a Senate hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked about the book’s content, prompting a sharp response from the Vice President, who suggested that the senator’s concern was more about her name being on the book than its educational value.
Intrigued by the controversy, I looked into the book and found that it tells the story of an owl whose nest is destroyed by a typhoon. The owl finds refuge with a friendly parrot, highlighting the importance of friendship in times of need. While it may not win any literary awards, Isang Kaibigan delivers a valuable message: friendships are crucial, and helping a friend in need today will be remembered tomorrow.
The book’s simple message is reinforced by its straightforward “About the Author” section, where VP Sara is described as “a friend,” emphasizing her commitment to the theme of the book. However, the P10 million allocated for its distribution may raise eyebrows, especially among lesser-known authors who struggle to get their books published and distributed.
In the end, while some might question the financial aspects of this project, there’s no denying that sometimes, a little honey and plenty of money can go a long way in making an author shine.