I Love You Mom (A Yuletide Sojourn)

(This poem was written in November 21, 1985. At that time, my mom - Rosario or Rosing to friends, was already bedridden from a "joyful" stroke she suffered in 1980, during my eldest daughter's 7th birthday. She died two years after,at 63 years old in June 12, 1987, Independence Day. She would have been 86 on January 13. Happy birthday Mom! Thanks for bringing me and my brother into this world.)

i remember younger days,
when you would be
by my side
everytime i fear the night -

how, with only your touch,
my worries would fade
and in its place is the warmth and peace
in your bossom.

you were there!
despite your imperfections,
which, in my little mind,
i thought so big...

and i thought you wrong!

mom! please forgive me!
for i realized you tried your best
and the follies i percieved
reflected my limitations.

you're weak now
and you will soon be one with your Maker.

so before i won't see you ever again,
please be assured
that your stay with me, with us
have not gone to waste.

and...i love you mom!

You have to dream the dream

(Michael Patricks, PeaceCorps Philippines
Abatan, Mt. Province, December 38, 1985)

You have to make a wish
Before it can come true;
You have to dream the dream before
The dream can work for you.

If you would gain an end
You have to make a start;
To have the work at hand, you have
To have it first at heart.

You have to sow a seed
Before you reap a crop;
You have to make a climb
If you would reach the top.

There is an ancient law
As simple as can be
You have to know the truth before
The truth can make you free.