Yearning for Old Friends and Home
BACK HOME!
If I had the power to turn back the clock,
Go back to that house at the end of the block-
The house that was HOME when I was a kid,
I know that I’d love it more now than I did.
If I could be back there at my mother’s knee,
And hear once again all the things she told me,
I’d listen as I never listened before,
For she knew so well just what life had in store.
And all the advice my dad used to give,
His voice I’ll remember as long as I live;
But it didn’t seem really important then;
What I’d give just to live it all over again.
And what I’d give for the chance I once had,
To do so much more for my mother and dad;
To give them more Joy and a little less pain;
A little more sunshine–a little less rain.
But the years roll on and we cannot go back,
Whether we were born in a mansion or in a shack;
But we can start right now–in the hour that’s here
To do something more for the ones we hold dear.
And since time in its flight is traveling so fast;
Let’s not spend it regretting that which is past;
But let’s make tomorrow a happier day
By doing our “good to others”–TODAY.
(Author Unknown)
I found this poem in a friend’s post.
It brings back memories of our home in Baliaut, Baclayon, Bohol with our cousins and neighbours, playmates and all on moonlight nights; with the young and old joining us – the children – playing tubig-tubig and ibo-ibo. Mosamot pa gyud ang kamingaw sa nangagi nga panahon kay ang mga kabataan karon wala na maghandom sa mga kagabhion nga buwanon.
During the Holy Week, the moon was not visible It was covered with dark clouds. In my 76 years of existence, this is our first rainy Semana Santa. But during the Wednesday and Friday processions, the rain stopped.
For this year, the Sugat was done inside the church for safety and security reasons. Our first Semana Santa after the long Covid season made the people feel alive.
Today, as I am writing this article, the sun shone brightly. Inspired by the weather, I decided to visit a good friend towards dusk. My companions and I were hoping to be joined by our Bff Ardy. There must be something very important that is preventing her from joining us.
We had a lovely evening at a friend’s house along Palma St., Tagbilaran City. We spent the time talking about our beautiful past – during our young days – including the tubig-tubig and ibo-ibo of yesteryears. We recalled memories and stories of our old hometown and about the destiny of men.
I’m fortunate that my old neighbour and playmate of my daughter drives for me when I feel fancy free going around familiar places. She does errands for me. Yes, I would admit that I am being partially disabled at 76 due to my hip injury, but thank you, Lord, you are giving me the strength to go around and enjoy the beauty of friends and relationships.
P.S. Thank you Atty. Aster Piollo for posting the poem on your FB wall.