So Long, ‘Pa Nonoy!

-t o n s i e-
The sun was out
And life was once warm
Youth scarcely heeds old age
Then skies become gray
And days grew cold

I sought a corner and

Demanded a tale from your old lips
You were once young
And did those things
You laughed,
You yelled, you loved like youth
I smiled
Wondered how
A face so withered,
A figure so bent,
Paralyzed
Could ever have known love

Ah! You, conceit of youth!

But suddenly glare of lights
Softened and turned low
Hands of heaven seized you
Seasons changed,
Faded,
But not your love
So dignified
Like your songs, so precious,
They’ll linger
‘til my life be through

Yo te amo mucho, mi abuelo!

Nunca ti descuidor, mi caro, Papa Nonoy
Adios!