They say it was time for slowing down,
But a snow-haired gentleman in crisp barong
still wanted to ride the jeepneys.
They say that because he was nabibingi his world would grow silent
But still the words which were his daily visitors
chatted in vibrant dialogue that flowed from his pen.
They say that he perfected a dignified style of oration
But I also heard him giggle often at the sound of a ripping pantalón.
They say he sported the most serious brow
But an unspoken beam of pride could soften him
as he pressed his bendición to the brow of an apo,
And even those authoritative and stern lips
could pucker to kiss the cheek of a grandmother cherry blossom.
They say that skipping steps as you ascend life's ladder
is the mark of an accelerated learner
While missing stairs on the way down is much more risky.
But down to the core is were this Lolo longed to go.
He loved to explore ROOTS and soon became one of the mightiest.
And so take comfort in the thought
that true roots never die; they just grow deeper.
And as we place this hero deep in the ground today,
May we continue to grow from his root of many generations
to extend his lineage with honor.
