The long hours of the night, and
Our unperturbed slumber
Would not suffice to fully understand this
Immortal moment; because we know
We could never fight grief and loneliness
We take comfort in one's promise
And acceptance of one's feelings.
Hush now, my darling.
Wherever this life of ours lead us,
This life painted with endless waiting,
Endless incarnations, and decisions to be made,
Trust that I would remain bound to the mystery
Of your love and devotion
This moment, now, may be too soon, too early
As yet to stand as a stronghold, a wall to support us
To prop us up while we are apart.
But always remember,
Not everything comes to an end,
For it is in our nature to believe
To have faith in the promise of pure love...
This excellent translation of my Filipino poem entitled "Panata" is a proof that poetry has been and will always be our soul's universal language. I thank and salute Ms. SALLY A. BAYAN, a poet par excellence, for the honor of reincarnating the images carried by this piece to the English language. Muli, maraming salamat po Bb. Sally! Mabuhay ang makatang Pilipino!
University of the Philippines
September 27, 2013