Beyond Kalinga Poem by Elmer Romulo Valdez

I can now set my gaze beyond,
The hills and the Sierra Madre,
The enchanted, towering 'filig, '
The emerald rolling grasslands,
The ranches and the cow-hands.

I smile with undisguised pride,
At the display of achievement,
The true landmarks of progress,
The fruits of pain and labor,
The monuments of affection.

I'll miss you, dear Kalinga,
Your accommodating people,
The fast nissans and toyotas,
The Chico, creeks, and fields,
And all the fellow strangers.