A Response to Rizal's Kundiman

by Victoria Margaret Calimon

A nation’s heart of solitude

Pained through abuse to every brood.

Cries of pain reach mountains far,

Prayers said in each altar.

Though weak and our bodies frail,

We don’t let anyone prevail.

Those dark and evil shadows loom

We face with patriotic fume.

Love, hope and tons of pride

We take as armors used in stride.

Not once we shed a drop of tear

For any conqueror we fear.