by Luis G. Dato

When I am dead, will you then think of me
More kindly, when I cease to haunt you dear
Or dog your steps in school or church no more,
Will I seem better in the memory,
Less rude, unseemly than reality?
Will you perhaps, relenting, then deplore
The days that could have been, dumb Heaven implore
For my repose in His eternity?

Perhaps from your sweet lips so virginal
Might you allow for once a wishful sigh,
From eyes that Heaven were to me let fall
A tear I’ll feel warm on my lips where I
Lie lifeless, but shall be like fire to call
Me back to you though dead a century!

Luis Dato
Luis Dato

Luis G. Dato (July 4, 1906 - January 29, 1985) was a poet, writer and educator from Sta. Cruz, Baao, Camarines Sur. He published books in English including Manila A Collection of verse (1926), My Book of Verses (1936) and the Land of Mai in 1975. He also wrote several books and text in Bikol such as, Vocabulario Bikol-Ingles-Kastila (1963), Cantahon na Bikol (1969), Morfologia kan Tataramon na Bikol (serialized in Naga Times), Patotodon sa Bikol (Bikol Mail) and Sarabihon sa Bikol.

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