If I Were A Voice.......The Resiliency of A Filipino

If I Were A Voice

Author: Charles Mackay

I.

If I were a voice, a persuasive voice, That could travel the wide world through, I would fly on the beams of the morning light, And speak to men with a gentle might, And tell them to be true. I'd fly, I'd fly, o'er land and sea, Wherever a human heart might be, Telling a tale, or singing a song, In praise of the right - in blame of the wrong.

II.

If I were a voice, a consoling voice, I'd fly on the wings of air, The homes of Sorrow and Guilt I'd seek, And calm and truthful words I'd speak To save them from Despair. I'd fly, I'd fly, o'er the crowded town, And drop, like the happy sun-light, down Into the hearts of suffering men, And teach them to rejoice again.

III.

If I were a voice, a convincing voice, I'd travel with the wind, And whenever I saw the nations torn By warfare, jealousy, or scorn, If I were a voice, a convincing voice, I 'd travel with the wind, And whenever I saw the nations torn By warfare, jealousy, or scorn, Or hatred of their kind, I'd fly, I'd fly, on the thunder-crash, And into their blinded bosoms flash; And, all their evil thoughts subdued, I'd teach them Christian Brotherhood.

IV.

If I were a voice, a pervading voice, I'd seek the kings of Earth; I'd find them alone on their beds at night-- And whisper words that should guide them right-- Lessons of priceless worth; I'd fly more swift than the swiftest bird, And tell them things they never heard-- Truths which the ages for aye repeat-- Unknown to the statesmen at their feet.

V.

If I were a voice, an immortal voice, I'd speak in the people's ear; And whenever they shouted "Liberty," Without deserving to be free, I'd make their error clear. I'd fly, I'd fly, on the wings of day, Rebuking wrong on my world-wide way, And making all the Earth rejoice-- If I were a voice--an immortal voice.

  

[The end]Charles Mackay's poem: If I Were A Voice

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The Resiliency of a Filipino

by William G. Bacani

B : Filipino is resilient

G : Since time immemorial, we are tested by countless calamities; volcanic eruptions, devastating earthquakes and lahar flows, super typhoons, flash floods and landslides.

B : Victoriously, we surmounted these ordeals and pains, beyond imagination of the human race

G : Instant death of our loved ones, claimed by transportation mishaps and natural disasters. Thousands also die in hunger and malnutrition.

All : Including ambushes and endless wars in Mindanao. They trampled our basic human rights, such as the right to live

G (solo) : I lost my loving husband, who didn't want to join Abu Sayyaf.

G (solo) : I lost my only son, who opted to become a military man.

G : We lost our innocent children and women, we lost our homes and properties.

B : Survivors are Filipinos. The wrath of nature and cruel destiny may steal everything from us.

B (solo) : Wealth, properties, and family

All : But the Filipinos never give up

B : For us we are continuously scourged by the test of time. The spirit to survive and to bounce back remains undefeated

All : I'm as pliant as a bamboo for I'm a man of Earth

G : My hair may all be blown away by the winds

B : And my legs may be crippled by the smash of waves

All : But I will stand and pick up the shattered pieces of myself and continue to live

B : Resolute to survive, clothed with an inspiration to live, not only for my family but also for my beloved country

All : Filipinos unite in the midst of crisis, regardless of socio-economic status, tradition and creed

G : The world has seen the magnanimous spirit of the Filipinos in crucial times.

All : The gap between the rich and the poor was narrowed

G (solo) : Envy was replaced by sympathy

G (solo) : Hatred was conquered by love

B (solo) : Selfishness was set aside

B : And saving one's life is the ultimate desire

All : History tells us that the Filipinos have captured innumerable foes, natural and not. And shall always strive to champion in all odds. Because innate in the Filipino is the will to survive

B : We may be daunted by the horrible scenes around us. But certainly, we will be strengthened by our unwavering faith in God.

G : We have been lotted by many nations in the world, for our resiliency during disasters, others die in saving lives.

All : But only few realize, that we are able to survive, because our spirit to fight is deeply anchored from faith, that God Almighty will never forsake us.

B (solo) : I believe that Filipinos, divided by varied doctrines and cultures, are capable to be on top of any situation, if united

All : Together, we can face any challenge ahead of us.

B : We may stumble and fall

All : But we will bounce back, arms stronger with vision and faith, that after darkness, after pains and sufferings, the Filipino survives, the Filipino is resilient.