[21ST M02] Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal by Danton Remoto

Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal 

by Danton Remoto

1          I stand on the roof
2          Of the Ateneo Municipal,
3          Shivering
4          On this December morning,

5          Months ago,
6          Pepe came to me
7          In the Observatory.
8          I thought we would talk.

9          About the stars
10        That do not collide
11        In the sky:
12        Instead, he asked me about purgatory.

13        (His cheeks still ruddy
14        From the sudden sun
15        After the bitter winters
16        In Europe.)

17        And on this day
18        With the year beginning to turn,
19        Salt stings my eyes.
20        I see Pepe,

21        A blur
22        Between the soldiers
23        With their Mausers raised
24        And the early morning's

25        Star:
26        Still shimmering
27        Even if millions of miles away
28        The star itself

29        Is already dead.

Reference: 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World by Uychoco, page 7