(In memory of Efren Sonia Millete Sorra)
After seven decades of a life
I can vouch for a good man
When I see one.
I like visiting a friend
Living in this modest house
Along the town highway
Before the mouth
Of the river.
The last time
We had a good laugh
Was when we were
At the beach
Talking about islanders who left
And those who didn’t,
Unblemished by city life.
I like the face of music
In his simple abode
His wife cooked
The most sumptuous cocido
With the usual pili
Thrown in to whet our appetite.
I like his garden
Made beautiful
By his loving
And caring wife.
Like other Bicolanos
I admire
He was clearly a man
At peace with his neighbors
And happy with his work.
I can see an essential journey
After a cycle of a good life.
I saw his tomb
For the first time
Visited by his loving
Children
Still weighed down by grief.
I like the way
He has evolved
Living fruitful life
And moving on
Still A good man
And a gentleman.