To think of days that are no more,
And how I loved my place of birth,
Where every home's an open door.
No stranger's face in any nook;
All friends, no foes, where e'er I'd look!
The trees I climbed all bowed by fruit
My childhood friends and I devoured,
And later still some more to loot
For home-made jams, papayas soured.
The tamarind that made us smirk;
The sudden show'r, oh what a quirk!
The briny seas on summer days,
Where seabirds did on sailboats rest.
Oh, how I danced in wanton grace,
To dream of kingdom was the best.
What boundless joys of heaven blest;
What endless mirth my life caressed!
On afternoons when raindrops cast
A spell of gray and cats were still,
My granny boiled camotes fast
For all our eager stomachs fill.
Oh days so cold yet warmed by care,
No other place could be so rare!
And now when I'm in solitude,
Those days I often call to mind,
With wonderment and gratitude
To God so loving and so kind.
Oh Lord your gift of life unmeasured;
My days of youth forever treasured!
