IN MEMORY of CHARINA

IN MEMORY OF CHARINA

This poem was written in memorial of my late sister Charina who

perished in a shipwreck tragedy on April 22, 1980.

Somewhere in time, not too many years ago

I was so blessed to have you by my side

A young winsome lass with a captivating charm.

In your rich quiet nature, there lies a deep reflective thinker

In your young heart, there lies a great treasure of love.

In your simplicity, you touched scores of lives.

How could I ever forget such a beautiful young person

Who blessed my childhood days with so much affection

Though I was uncomely and ill-natured then

You had shown me kindness.

Though I was ill-tempered and quarreled a lot with you

You shared with me whatever belong to you.

You were also a great delight to your mentors and many friends

Your pleasant attitude showered blissful moments with them.

To your parents, you were indeed a wonderful child

Such a great possession to behold.

But all those precious moments with you

are now only memories

Little had I thought that your sojourn here on earth

is only for a little while.

For one fateful night, just a week after your twelfth birthday

A great shipwreck tragedy took you away from us

Only then I realized, how much I love you my sister Charina

Though you had lived for only twelve years

You have left an indelible mark in my heart

To miss you for a lifetime.