A tribute to my fellow Filipinos and other ethnic communities working in healthcare, as well as a commentary on the government and current lack of PPE.

Mum and Dad are hardened warriors. All day, all night. Frontline soldiers.

Taking turns fighting for a better life, for their children’s futures.

Mum says God will save us, that prayers and faith will deliver us from evil.

Evil sent 29 brave angels to Our Father.

Dad says not to worry. He is confident and knows the ways of the battlefield.

Over 15 years in the same trench will do that to you.

But bleeps are not sirens, and scrubs are not armour.

Aprons, masks and goggles are not bulletproof nor impenetrable.

Not enough to protect my parents from this invisible enemy.

Reuse and recycle are not words that belong in this war.

And yet the bombs will still fall on us, for thy will be done on earth, as it is in parliament.