by Luis G. Dato
Hail to our chief, the chosen helmsman dear
Of this our vessel that will ride the main
Our hope we pin on him our trust to steer
With a strong hand the distant land to gain.
To guide on stormy seas our vessel trail
A stout heart and a strong hand will require
Our prayer we raise that God’s help will not fail
Through all the reefs that gird the passage dire,
The shoals below, the mountainous waves that roll,
Dismay not, o dear God, our souls:
Far off through the deep darkness we descry
By distant light of stars the promised shore,
Be firm your vision clear that far or nigh
The port we reach when storm and night are o’er.
December 7, 1963
Irayang Solong, Minalabac, Camarines Sur
