Remembering
pupil Federico
© By Susan V. d'Artali - Philippines/BelgiumTeacher's roll call,
Federico's name echoes,
"Absent again ma'am" classmates chorus.
He is in one of the old churches,
selling sweet smelling Sampaguita flowers
to devoted religious folks,
3 chains for 5 pesos
to offer to the Patron Senor Sto. Niño.
But here is one Niño , very much alive,
on the street from night 'till morning,
with no one to offer sweet smelling flowers
to adorn his naked ,tired, neck,
nobody cares, nobody sees , nobody knows!
I cried in anguish for you !my dear nino!
your face I see everyday
niños like you everywhere!
Small frail body with hungry stomach,
no shoes, dirty clothes!
Sleeping in the classroom
to wait for the night to shine again!
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