by Abraham de la Torre
dedicated to Ate Gigi Davide
Her musicality is precedent
among the many attributes she has
therefore it is saying the least of these
that she is also speaker of the house.
For speak she does in it and when in church
as lector, commentator and the head
of DMI, where she was recently
installed as Regent. At morning Masses,
it is difficult to miss her singing
with her fellow canticlers, except when
she is in Cebu, the family’s hearth
and home as well to moments that unite
her kith and kin, scattered worldwide, and friends
who are obliged to come as long as gifts
are absolutely absent, for presence
is her primary consideration.
It’s no surprise that when the accolades
are thrown her way they more than make up for
the lack of sentiment that should have gone
to something wrapped with forethought or without.
The Chief, supportive as a pillar is,
beams from beside her or beyond, and takes
it all in joyful stride, from welcoming
their guests and posing for a souvenir
to take home and recall the milestone by.
It shouldn’t bother anyone that “Hen”
was chosen to preface this poem of praise
because she is a mother, gift and gem.
