You set the path, not only for me
But for many of us,
My steps were tentative
Unsure how to proceed.
You led us gently,
Giving a little prod if need be.
I was one of the impulsive ones,
Yet, you managed to make us tow the line
Through soft but firm reminders.
Together we climbed mountains,
Carefully threading treacherous trails.
Crowing our triumphed upon reaching the top
Though our happiness was short-lived,
As we took the degradation around us.
Some nights we would sat down in circle with others,
Either sharing our poetry,
Or simply basking in the glow
Of the flickering bonfire
And warmth of friendship
With kindred souls gathered
Under moonlit and starry skies
Frolicking to the beat of “tam-tams” and “kubing”
Which, even my timid self could not resist
You introduced me
To our many families
In the midst of the poor,
Who are far more richer in spirit
They opened not only their homes
But as well as their hearts
In them, we found,
Our mothers,fathers,sisters and brothers
Not related in blood but accepted us
And love us just the same.
You may appear somber
Which shows that looks deceived
For you love to laugh and play like a child
Like me you like to draw and paint
But unlike me, you never hesitate to try
As many time you tried
To etch my features in your pad.
You have such a nurturing soul
At times, you’d braid my hair
Adoring my simplicity
Wishing that I’d remain that way
While talking on a myriad of topics
Over endless cups of bitter coffee.
You’re the culprit
When I fell in love with the Little Prince
Enhancing my penchant
For the moon and the stars.
You left me a legacy, Ernst Bell
To cheer me up when am sad
A beloved companion
With a twinkle on its eyes.
Many times, I wanted to retrace my steps
To the point when our steps were in tandem
My small steps with your long easy strides,
When your big palm closed over my small ones.
How I missed you,
My friend, my comrade.
Maybe in the hereafter,
Our paths will crossed
Our steps will be in unison again.
Hopefully, my steps will be much firmer…
P.S. I would have like to light a candle for you but wrote this instead…
12:11am, 10July2009,dc
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