Tribute To A Great Uncle, Pedro Alit Poem by MELVIN BANGGOLLAY

P-edro Alit, a man of many virtue
Born with the breath of the poor
Yet armed with a dream to subdue
The flame of poverty’s towering door.

E-ntangled with a heart full of valor
As a soldier in the battle field’s candor
He never rested searching verdant floor
Entwined with a fortune’s great armor.

D-etermined with a desire to serve
He sailed in the wilderness great stride
As a soldier with passion to survive
Every trials he hurdled with all pride.

R-iver may dried up as season go
But the deeds of noble men like you
Shall live in the heart of those who saw
The goodness of a man like you do.

O-ver this hill whom you did truly bestow
The art of unselfish love to every fellow,
Sealed your breath to see heave’s meadow
But behind, your memories forever glow.

A –ll do succumb to their eternal rest
As the river of life withers in every rock
Yet footprints you bared on thy breast
Forever tinge those your loved struck.

L-ike my father whom you did touch
In his education as his wealth unmatched
That you never hesitated to lend your hand
For him to reach his dream as a gentleman.

I have seen you as my inspiration as a man
With wisdom and virtue of a true gentleman
From the words of my own father tongue
Who lived by the virtue that you rallied upon.

T-ime has come for you to sail for thy rest
To behold our creator’s great heaven’s nest,
Go with faith to live in that great mansion
Whom someday we’ll all have our PHR reunion.


He was my father’s first cousin who helped my father
In his education at the Technological Institute of the
Philippines, Manila. My father stayed with his family
until he graduated. He died the at the age of 96 the
other day. He now joined with my father who died in 2007
t the are of 65. May they rest in peace and see
each other in heaven to continue their untarnished
friendship.