When I recall the days <br />That saw my childhood of yore <br />Beside the verdant shore <br />Of a murmuring lagoon; <br />When I remember the sighs <br />Of the breeze that on my brow <br />Sweet and caressing did blow <br />With coolness full of delight; <br /> <br />When I look at the lily white <br />Fills up with air violent <br />And the stormy element <br />On the sand doth meekly sleep; <br />When sweet 'toxicating scent <br />From the flowers I inhale <br />Which at the dawn they exhale <br />When at us it begins to peep; <br /> <br />I sadly recall your face, <br />Oh precious infancy, <br />That a mother lovingly <br />Did succeed to embellish. <br />I remember a simple town; <br />My cradle, joy and boon, <br />Beside the cool lagoon <br />The seat of all my wish. <br /> <br />Oh, yes! With uncertain pace <br />I trod your forest lands, <br />And on your river banks <br />A pleasant fun I found; <br />At your rustic temple I prayed <br />With a little boy's simple faith <br />And your aura's flawless breath <br />Filled my heart with joy profound. <br />Saw I God in the grandeur <br />Of your woods which for centuries stand; <br />Never did I understand <br />In your bosom what sorrows were; <br />While I gazed on your azure sky <br />Neither love nor tenderness <br />Failed me, 'cause my happiness <br />In the heart of nature rests there. <br /> <br />Tender childhood, beautiful town, <br />Rich fountain of happiness, <br />Of harmonious melodies, <br />That drive away my sorrow! <br />Return thee to my heart, <br />Bring back my gentle hours <br />As do the birds when the flow'rs <br />Would again begin to blow! <br />But, alas, adieu! E'er watch <br />For your peace, joy and repose, <br />Genius of good who kindly dispose <br />Of his blessings with amour; <br />It's for thee my fervent pray'rs, <br />It's for thee my constant desire <br />Knowledge ever to acquire <br />And may God keep your candour!<br /><br />Jose Rizal<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/memories-of-my-town/
