The late national hero Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., wrote this poem for his wife, former president Corazon C. Aquino, decades ago. Composer and singer Jose Mari Chan later set the piece into music and included it in his album, Constant Change.

I have fallen in love
with the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
when first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain.
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day.
’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope.
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
she is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid.

To listen to the song, go to http://opmhits.net/josemarichan.shtml (requires RealPlayer)

Photo: “Ninoy Aquino” by Diamonds in the Soles of Her Shoes on Flickr
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