A Post Valentine Acrostic for the Reformed Filipino

(adapted from A Novice in Altruism and other Poems)

The author with former Philippine President Corazon Aquino.

February revolution.
Economic decline led to one regime’s oblivion. A
Bloodless uprising was the Filipino’s
Rationale to abusive machination.
Undaunted by the one-man loyal
Army threatening bombing and
Retaliation, heroes rich and poor,
Young and old, marched to EDSA with a

Resolution. It was not just a question of
Eliminating the cause of a twenty-year oppression, but also a
Veritable assertion of peace and freedom.
Outlaw disunity from now on and decree
Love, genuine service, and patriotic Christendom!
Unless you become eternally vigilant in
Thwarting any efforts at national destruction,
Immaterial will be the gains of that consummate rebellion.
Our brand of revolution points to a promising direction, but
Not if you do not care for true and lasting reconciliation.

1987
First Place, National People Power Anniversary
Literary Competition, English poetry category