To the Philippine Matriarch

I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.
I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.
I fell in love with her the second time;
When first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.
But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain,
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;
So it was in those eighteen years and a day,
till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.
Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope,
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.
I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade.
Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
She is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid.

for your courage…

for your strength

for your sacrifice

for your loyalty

we will be forever grateful

You have fought the good fight and kept the faith. Rest now Ma, and trust that we will uphold what you have left. You are the epitome of truth, beauty, and love that Imelda wished she ever was.