Echoes of Childhood

Echoes of Childhood

Dr Abe V Rotor 


The Uplands, wall mural author's residence San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Whispers and footsteps on the hall and wall,
Greet a stormy morning; candles flickered, 
Sheltered by warm and toughened hands, 
Leading the young ones to their classroom. 

And courtesies were the smile of familiarity: 
Heads moved to acknowledge, to recollect
Old memories coming fresh and nostalgic, 
Of those who once passed through the portals. 

Memories about a child becoming man, 
Men’s wanderings, and man’s return to reality; 
When with age, he looks back at the ideal, 
Not in its pursuit but for treasured peace. 

Whispers and footsteps on the hall and wall, 
Echoes, sweet echoes, perhaps music to a child 
On some strong shoulder lifts a heavy eyelid; 
A curtain falls, a new chapter begins. ~