Ode to Corazon Aquino
When I received an email message from Ka Ben Hur that former President Corazon C. Aquino breathed her last on 3:18 a.m. Monday, 01 August 2009, followed by news from various Philippine newspapers which I was able to surf that "Cory Aquino Dies"; "Former Philippine President Cory Aquino Dead at 76"; although I knew that she has been ill at the hospital, I was stunned. I was speechless as if a light has been extinguished suddenly from our midst.
I recall way back in 1991, one January afternoon, she summoned me to Malacanang and gave me her instructions in connection with my assignment in New York City as her Consul General. And when she was no longer President, one day in October 1992, she and her youngest daughter "Kris" made a private visit to the City of New York City where members of the Fil- American community and the Philippine Consulate General hosted a "salo-salo" - get together in her honor at Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, Fifth Avenue.
With former President Aquino's demise, my family joins me in ending deepest condolence to her bereaved family and join in prayers for the eternal repose of her soul.
May I share with you the following lines:
ODE TO EX-PRESIDENT
CORAZON C. AQUINO
By Rudy A. Arizala
01 August 2009
C-ompassionate mother; leader
O-f the nation’s people power
R- ecovered for us lost freedom
A-nd restored democratic life.
Z-eus! we pray thee this moment
O-f our nation’s bereavement
N-ot to forget our leader
C-ome, welcome her to your kingdom.
A-midst our pain and sorrow
Q-uietly wipe away the tears
U-nder your care, we commend her
I-n your bosom let her sleep
N-ow that she accomplished her tasks
O-n this day welcome her to rest.