The Commitment Poem by Rodolfo Martin Vitangcol

ONE TIME, I HAD A TWO-WHOLE-DAY TRAINING—
both days start at 8: 00, end before evening.
We were then at the first day of session,
with the next day for continuation.

AS THE FIRST DAY ENDED AT 5: 30,
I drove straight home somewhat in a hurry.
Nearing home at around 8: 30,
I saw our lights off like there's nobody.

AS I ALIGHTED TO OPEN THE GATE,
my neighbor came to me with hurried gait.
With strained voice she said, "Rudy, your wife died! "
Dumbstruck, I got again in the car and cried.

I REACHED THE HOSPITAL AT 10: 30,
in the morgue my wife was waiting for me.
But they wouldn't let me see my wife still,
until I had paid the hospital bill.

WHILE THEY PROCESSED, I WAS ASKED TO SIT DOWN—
it's the longest wait ever, filled with frown.
When bill came, I paid it with great hunger;
then I saw my wife, victim of cancer.

TWELVE MIDNIGHT, MY WIFE TO MORTUARY;
long story short, all got arranged at 3: 00.
Then, suddenly, I remembered something:
"Today is the second day of training! "

IF I HAD TO PROCEED WITH THE TRAINING,
I'd sleep no more, go home, be preparing.
But there's another option remaining:
"Call client, saying I can't be coming."

I ASK: "IF YOU'RE IN MY SITUATION,
will you proceed or do cancellation? "
If proceed, can your heart carry it on?
Plus you're wakeful all night, sadness a ton?

HONESTLY, I FELT LIKE CANCELLING IT.
For this, someone told me, "Why cancel it?
She's dead.Nothing you can do about it! "
As if just some cat that gave up spirit.

BUT THEN, IF INDEED I'D BE CANCELLING,
out the window, my commitment flying.
Not be!Hence, I was there when day opened,
and not a soul did I tell what happened!

Amen!

Copyright © 2018
Rodolfo Martin Vitangcol
All Rights Reserved