Rizal's tribute to his hometown

In 1876, when Dr. Jose P. Rizal was15 years old and a student in Ateneo de Municipal he wrote a poem titled “Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo” (A Tribute to My Town). Away from his family, he recalled his memories of his childhood in Calamba, his hometown. The full text of Rizal’s poem translated in English follow:

A Tribute to My Town

(English translation by Nick Joaquin)

When I remember the days

that saw my early childhood

spent on the green shores

of a murmuring lagoon;

when I remember the coolness,

delicious and refreshing,

that on my face I felt

as I heard Favonian croon;

when I behold the white lily

swell to the wind’s impulsion,

and that tempestuous element

meekly asleep on the sand;

when I inhale the dear

intoxicating essence

the flowers exude when dawn

is smiling on the land;

Sadly, sadly I recall

your visage, precious childhood,

which an affectionate mother

made beautiful and bright;

I recall a simple town,

my comfort, joy and cradle,

beside a balmy lake,

the seat of my delight.

Ah, yes, my awkward foot

explored your somber woodlands,

and on the banks of your rivers

in frolic I took part.

I prayed in your rustic temple,

a child, with a child’s devotion;

and your unsullied breeze

exhilarated my heart.

The Creator I saw in the grandeur

of your age-old forests;

upon your bosom, sorrows

were ever unknown to me;

while at your azure skies

I gazed, neither love nor tenderness

failed me, for in nature

lay my felicity.

Tender childhood, beautiful town,

rich fountain of rejoicing

and of harmonious music

that drove away all pain:

return to this heart of mine,

return my gracious hours,

return as the birds return

when flowers spring again!

But O goodbye! May the Spirit

of Good, a loving gift-giver,

keep watch eternally over

your peace, your joy, your sleep!

For you, my fervent prayers;

for you, my constant desire

to learn; and I pray heaven

your innocence to keep!