A Journey To Remember (Field Trip To Sta. Ana, Cagayan) Poem by MELVIN BANGGOLLAY

A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER
Field trip to Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Melvin Banggollay


It was really fun to behold old friends
After 23 years of happy high school life
As the young faces of yesterdays ends
shines sweet smiles as if without strife
even if their forehead had wrinkled trends
of a time nestled with struggles in this life.

Everyone shared their glee in their heart
As we share handshakes and friendly hugs
While recollecting high school life's art
We painted with memories still unplug
Of the days of our high school's life start
until we've leave our Alma Mater's love.

After 23 years, we have this batch re-union
of TNHS batch 86 in spite of some hesitation
from old friends being busy in their vocation
yet with the effort of those behind the motion
Many of us came to attend with all jubilation
to see the youngsters before time's evolution.

Many I could not remember their given names
But deep in my heart and soul I knew them
As they were my former friends and classmates
I used to play while we sung the national anthem
as the rest stood straight singing so very late
with the marching beat of our teacher's then.

As we aboard the ship rolling upon the land
Our laughter and jokes do rocks like a band
As all of us wanted to share the life we had at hand,
the experiences we nestled in search for the plan
Of God to each of us amidst life great wide pan
then suddenly I heard ''silence class', from someone.

It was like the frogs in the fields was truly awaken
That even the engines cowing sound was beaten
by the murmuring, shouting, gossiping unbidden
As laughter croaked from jokes that enlightened
and from recalled memories many had given
taking us to the past of high school life unforgotten.

In every silence of the wind we just passed by
I remember the first time, my heart beat but so fast
but was so shy to tell what was in my heart
for this lady I can't deny had gave me lot of sleepless nights;
and enchanted my eyes with a love at first sight,
for even when we're in grade six, she had my sight
but I was afraid to tell to her for we had once a fight.

Yes, she was there in the front seat of the bus we ride
wearing a gentle face with still blooming loveliness
But no matter how I wish, I can never have the pride
To whisper in her heart, she was my first love's nest
and the first woman I ever did feast in my fantasy so wild
After I accidentally touched, in a fight, her verdant chest.

I tried to tel her this secret I had hidden for 24 years
Of course, she never believed me what her heart heard
but for me, at least, I released this burden of my heart.
I hope from this, a new love will flow from the wilderness
that once a childhood dream my father once professed
Will be given the chance to have its tale of tenderness.

After more than 5 hours of riding, we reached Sta. Ana
A fascinating coastal town of Cagayan province
Where you can see a blessed land with verdant aura
of captivating nature and beaches that can truly convince
one to spend a whole life time while sipping the aroma
of Kalinga's brewed coffee fitting truly for a prince.

We spend two night and day of enjoying the company
of old friends and classmates in every games or play
as we continue recollecting every sweet memory
of high school life that brings us into closer harmony
specially those that manifest our youthful stupidity
in our desire to discover youthful romance melody.

Joy was in my heart as we had the chance to display
Our tribute to our teachers who came along the way
For without them who taught and lead us faithfully
We could not have sailed in our own respective journey
to make our own life in search for a better destiny,
of our own sense of being we shared for anybody.

Many of us had truly made it on their chosen careers
Some were successful businessmen and some were farmers
Some as government workers while some were laborers
But no matter how we may have achieved and differed
We all remain equal with strong accord of as achiever
as friends with strong union to respect always each other.


I almost let a tear to fall upon my teary eyes
As we hold each other arms singing the old lang-syne
while swaying in a circle with a wave of tearful sighs.
Indeed, many eyes I have seen to flicker and shine
with teardrops falling as we all truly realized
that high school life is the happiest moment of our life.

Special mention of gratitude to those who were behind
this trip our batch had successfully reunited to unwind
Like Letty June whom I knew was born in the month of June
To Cynthia so sexy before with body now out of tune
To Sally who was still oozing with a charm full of fire
To Julie Ann whose body figure still with burning desire
To Elvis who was a look alike of Elvis Presley
To Charlestone even not with us helped unselfishly;
To leon with body so sturdy like a roaring lion and to
To James, our little class leader and valedictorian before
is now Kalinga's pride and leader of its future
Of course to all our teachers like Mrs. Litorco, my favorite
Class adviser who truly showed us the value of friendship
and other batch mate who joined the trip
A heartfelt thanks for your presence and help to our trip.



To all the batchmates of class 86.... enjoy our trip
See you in Boracay as our next next trip.....