When I remember the days <br />that saw my early childhood <br />spent on the green shores <br />of a murmurous lagoon; <br />when I remember the coolness, <br />delicious and refreshing, <br />that on my face I felt <br />as I heard Favonius croon; <br /> <br />when I behold the white lily <br />swell to the wind’s impulsion, <br />and that tempestuous element <br />meekly asleep on the sand; <br />when I inhale the dear <br />intoxicating essence <br />the flowers exude when dawn <br />is smiling on the land; <br /> <br />sadly, sadly I recall <br />your visage, precious childhood, <br />which an affectionate mother <br />made beautiful and bright; <br />I recall a simple town, <br />my comfort, joy and cradle, <br />beside a balmy lake, <br />the seat of my delight. <br /> <br />Ah, yes, my awkward foot <br />explored your sombre woodlands, <br />and on the banks of your rivers <br />in frolic I took part. <br />I prayed in your rustic temple, <br />a child, with a child’s devotion; <br />and your unsullied breeze <br />exhilarated my heart. <br /> <br />The Creator I saw in the grandeur <br />of your age-old forests; <br />upon your bosom, sorrows <br />were ever unknown to me; <br />while at your azure skies <br />I gazed, neither love nor tenderness <br />failed me, for in nature <br />lay my felicity. <br /> <br />Tender childhood, beautiful town, <br />rich fountain of rejoicing <br />and of harmonious music <br />that drove away all pain: <br />return to this heart of mine, <br />return my gracious hours, <br />return as the birds return <br />when flowers spring again! <br /> <br />But O goodbye! May the Spirit <br />of Good, a loving gift-giver, <br />keep watch eternally over <br />your peace, your joy, your sleep! <br />For you, my fervent pryers; <br />for you, my constant desire <br />to learn; and I pray heaven <br />your innocence to keep!<br /><br />Jose Rizal<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-tribute-to-my-town/
