“Fraternity”
To the traveling and working Filipino migrant with a fervent love of God to light the way and spread His word
1
Far from country so they sail,
What ails the aged and the frail;
Healing both body and soul —
God’s gift, the Filipino.
2
Kept close to Christ and the pope:
The world’s best workforce, full of hope;
All in Abu Dhabi,
Arabian, Filipino.
3
Mass, it’s as if it’s been stilled,
Massive cathedrals once were filled;
But wait, a resurgence:
Pack the Church, Filipino!
4
Long love for both young and old,
Hearts to heal a hardened household:
Poised, PacMan’s power punch,
Las Vegas, Filipino.
5
Closet cloistered, folded hands,
A burning bush in salted sands,
Good and gone but your prayer,
Saved my life, Filipino!
- Gary Edward Geraci
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Author:
Gary Edward Geraci (
Offline) - Published: February 23rd, 2019 15:02
- Comment from author about the poem: Filipinos are fraternal people. I’m married to a Filipina and so yes, I’m biased toward the Filipino! “Fraternity” is written to celebrate this successful missionary effort of the Filipino people as they have migrated throughout the world to work in countries like Canada, Europe, America, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Australia, etc. Many sacrifices are made in these migrations as the Filipino is separated from family for months, even years at a time. The Filipinos that I’ve met over the years are hard-working, kind, over and beyond hospitable, and quite faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. The Filipino is a fraternal person which is why they can get along with everyone even in a predominantly Muslim country like Saudi Arabia. Pope Francis, in his recent, historic visit to Abu Dhabi, the first time a Pope has ever been allowed in, remarked that “fraternity“ should be sought first and foremost with all of our neighbors; this brings about peace among diverse peoples; God will take care of the ultimate “communion” among all of His creation. Let us take care of the fraternity with our neighbor, believer and non-believer alike as my many Filipino friends and family are adept to do. The “burning bush” is a metaphor for your poet. I had separated from God in an “agnostic/practical atheist” sort of stupor but had been “taken by grace” by the powerful prayers of my Filipina girlfriend as she prayed on her knees for me in her “closet cloistered.” Yes, her prayer punch knocked enough sense in me that I returned, reverted, to the faith of my youth, Roman Catholicism, and took this woman as my beloved, life-long wife. The name “PacMan” appearing in my poem is the nickname of the Filipino prized fighter Manny Pacquiao. Traditional to Filipino culture, PacMan draws together everyone when he’s fighting. Lots of food, companionship, and good times follow: fraternity!
- Category: Friendship
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Comments1
A fine write Gary.
Thanks Orchidee!
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