Angela: The Rainbow of my Life
Like a rainbow. . . .
you come, after the storm
you accept me just as I am
you let the sun shine through
……I am no longer the same.
Like a rainbow. . . .
I wish the luster would stay forever
inevitably, at times it disappears
But I don't have fear
I know its presence is still there
to appear again after another storm
……….thereafter.
Like a rainbow. . .
our relationship looks like a compromise
between the storm and sunlight
my life’s clouded with rainstorm
yours is brilliant as daylight.
Like a rainbow. . . .
Our love will glow
to prove the paradox of life,
how contradictory forces harmonize
to show the beauty in life,
when unlike poles unite.
I wrote this poem for my sweetheart in 1987. Inspired by the newly established relationship, I spent my day in making a poster to dramatize the change in me by such relationship. Instead of joining the usual activity associated with the Martial Law in the Philippines every September 21st, I became engrossed in my work . After giving it to her, the poem has found its way to various places: in literary corner of school publications, office table, walls and other venues including the current web. But my sweetheart Angela ’s true identity remains a secret.
Yesterday, while looking for meaningful quotes in our memorabilia which I plan to post on facebook to greet my wife in her birthday today, I found the poster instead. Tattered, I realized how time and circumstances made a difference in its form. It has survived both life’s figurative and literal storms with subsequent flood which ruined most of our important documents. Its form has diminished. But the message remains in tact, readable, real and relevant .
Yes, twenty five years have passed, my love for Angela continues to grow. Times and circumstances never alter our commitment. Rather they have galvanized our relationship. Married now for 20 years, blessed by three charming and intelligent kids, I still consider Angela the rainbow of my life. And my wife knows that and likes the poem, as well.
Hence, on her birthday today, I send this poem to her through the web to dramatize how I love her. And to publicly reveal the identity of my former sweetheart, Angela Noble, to whom the poem was addressed 25 years ago.
Happy birthday, Prof. DZ Querubin Patriarca, my wife, from whom Angela Noble got her name. Querubin (Angela) and Patriarca (Noble). I love you very much. No storm will ever curtail our rainbow.
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