The Holy Rood Poem by Ferdinand L Quintos

You were by my forebears lovingly brought
when they felt deep poverty’s onslaught
towards the end of the Spanish times, *
left Ilocos** to seek auspicious climes.

Their exodus brought them to Agno’s bank, ***
they found the place so right, they gave You thank,
tilling the land they filled their every want
with Your loving guidance ever constant.

My grandparents ere both were claimed by death,
to my father dear You they did bequeath,
to him and his big brood You have been good,
guided them how, to live this life, they should.

When father died, mother and my siblings
my plea to keep You met with their blessings,
so euphoric I felt for such great luck,
prepared to leave, I crammed You in a sack.

That night I had a dream in my mind etched,
I heard stern words but mildly expressed,
“Why did you put me in that sack” You asked,
I heard no more but it left me all hushed.

I quickly rose, losing not an instance,
I took You out, feeling deep repentance,
Newly-washed cloth in a close I found
That around You so reverently I wound.

In my house how majestic you stand,
I pray to you and touch your every hand
pierced by nails sank by pharisaic mind,
Your selfless act paid for sins of mankind.