(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.