Life Lessons
The DALIT is a short Filipino (Tagalog) poem, consisting of four lines (quatrain) with eight syllables each. The rhyming pattern is AABB or sometimes AAAA. The quatrain is self-contained and has a valuable lesson. Although written in English, the seven quatrains that follow were written in the DALIT format.
1.
To the world, we must not conform
Our sinful selves, we must reform
The unknowing, we must inform
So that our Earth, we can transform
2.
It’s miles before you go to sleep
You need to go inside the keep
Protect yourself from terrors deep
Be safe; at peace amongst the sheep
3.
When dead, we’d be six feet under
We’ll know nothing, in deep slumber
There to stay till end times over
When we wake, we’ll live forever
4.
Virtuous woman always be
Worth more than shiniest ruby
Give her honors that she may be
Praised at the gates of the city
5.
God so loved us, He sent His son
To save the souls of everyone
To take us when the world is done
When the great controversy’s won
6.
Joseph became the governor
Because he’s in the Lord’s favor
His rule became a lifesaver
He gave God glory and honor
7.
Pray every day; pray unceasing
Pray your blessings be increasing
Live your life, to Him be pleasing
Then your rewards everlasting
05-27-2024
© Vic Evora
There’s a controversy regarding its origin. One school of thought states that the dalit is Spanish in origin, particularly because its syllabification is even or pares (pairs). Hence, it is said that the Spanish popularized the dalit in the Philippines. Another view holds that the dalit is indigenous, but the friars used its popularity to promote Catholicism, in the form of meditative verses.
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