The Alphan Corner
In one corner of the College of Engineering University of the Philippines - there are eight steps, undistinguished and insignificant to most, yet it is at the center of every Tau Alphan's life and psyche, particularly those from the mid 1960s to early 1970s.
I was only eighteen years old when I joined Tau Alpha
The best college fraternity this side of the Milky Way
Soon I was introduced to the Corner, the Alphan mecca
My young life irretrievably changed ever since to today
The Corner, eight steps in front of the Engineering school
Nothing remarkable about the place save the remembrance
Left by generations of Alphans pursuing that elusive goal
Graduate in time, enjoy youth and life, love and romance
First and foremost, it is the tambayan and our sanctuary
It is a safe haven that no friend nor foe will desecrate
It holds our communal soul and for our foes may be scary
But for an Alphan there’s no better place to congregate
It’s a market place of sorts, a Hellenic agora if you will
You hear a constant babble as brods out-talk each other
As they tell jokes, narrate tall tales from morning until
Night fall; others listen, blurting guffaws and laughter
Often times the Corner is filled with the sound of music
As some brods display guitar-playing skills with bravado
Others sing serenades and frat songs and the loud acoustic
Melodies heard beyond Alphan Way, where pretty girls go
Other times, it is a soapbox where you hear today’s news
The political events and social upheavals that are current
In the times and place we live; and most of all our views
On things under the sun, on things we have read or learnt
But everyone’s views are valued, the least of us are heard
For we respect each other and that is the Alphan character
We are life warriors, equals wherever the Argo is anchored
As we search for proverbial fleece, supporting one another
Quite often, the Corner becomes the triage where problems
Are brought in by Alphans in need, emotional or otherwise
But there are always brothers who’ll volunteer algorithms
Means to resolve issues; for surely all Alphans improvise
In times of trouble, frat rumbles and such, it’s a beacon
Harbor light to bring wayward brothers in from the cold
The Corner’s where we initially strategize, then move on
To a safer place, after everyone’s brought in to the fold
When troubles end, as when the Betans are soundly beaten
Or when someone graduates or maybe aces a Physics exam
Then the Corner turns into a scene of raucous celebration
Oft times fueled by San Miguel beer, gin or Tanduay rum
It’s a school where we learn some of life’s greatest lessons
For older brods are there to guide and lend a helping hand
Loyalty, friendship, brotherly love and enduring passions
Self-esteem, confidence, the skill to listen and understand
Yes, it is home! It is the place Alphans would rather be
For home is where we are always welcome and comfortable
Where we can be our naked selves, unafraid to speak freely
No fear of judgment when you lay your cards on the table
Eight insignificant featureless steps in an obscure corner
Yet incredibly they have made an impact on all our lives
We arrived as boys but we left as men infinitely stronger
Tho’ we left, new Alphans arrive so the Corner survives
I joined Tau Alpha, as a young man fifty-seven years ago
And yet my eyes mist up when I recall the many memories
Of days I sat on those steps, doing what I then not know
Yet I’m sure I was happy and content and always at peace
05-08-2024
© Vic Evora
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