Philippines the beautiful
seven thousand pearls Eden in the
Philippines Sea
seven thousand smiles in the sky arching
rainbow like
always there sunrise to sunset from
Batanes to Tawi-Tawi
seven thousand islands strong you are
a country diverse in character but one in
the pursuit of happiness
natural resources rich proud steadfast throughout history
yet state of reality the saddest news a
picture of poverty
back years ago... your undernourished
people
poorest poor families digging sustenance
from the landfill... taking comfort from it
seared in our minds the down in
the dumps images
heartbreaking... an understatement
but you are an indomitable country...
a beautiful land the envy of other nations
come what may... all the natural disasters
the plundering of your wealth by your
leaders
the raping of your Christian values... your
trust in mankind
the blatant betrayals of your chosen
officials
defy any rational thoughts of your
acceptance
accept endure pliant silent taking it all in
seem forgiving you are hoping ever for the
good
wishful unafraid somehow that no matter
what
there is goodness in mankind... in your heart you believe
a wanting of a thing missing could be
had you felt at all times
with a Zeus hope you let the unscrupulous
lead you again... and again...”bahala na”
sad as I am I can never cry for you
Philippines
you are incredibly strong a forgiving
country to a fault
hospitable in character praised in the world
unique carried since millennia undoubtedly
the man on the moon smile on your face
betrays a proud happy alive caring people
grateful and proud to be your son my
Fatherland
merrily you row the boat to where the river
flows...
far into inlets of diasporas giving help
worldwide
nobody’s bailing out nor keeping their
distance
as sad as the landfill provisions are... warts
and all
we stand by you... our beloved home
Philippines the beautiful
***
©ndr 06.12.2024
Photo: Wayfair-Summer Solstice Strawberry Moon... Man on the Moon smile