Long Live My Blessed Country

You’re hailed as “Pearl of the Orient Seas” The Creator* has blessed you with rich bounty Including a peculiar history, indeed great… Making me thankful for making you the land of my birth. In Southeast Asia is where you’re grandly settled Possessing distinct culture you share with neighbors; Your heritage nurtured through virtues lived by daily Exposes me to good moral values. With your triumphantly fought-for independence Wrought by the Lord’s sovereignty with people’s unity Along heroes’ ardor, powered by patriotism and love I’m now anchored by peace, justice and freedom-might. “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”** My assertive declaration! “Long live the Philippines!” I shout with gratitude! *Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. **The Tagalog words for "Long live the Philippines!" December 24, 2019 2nd place, "Whitman-Inspired Uplifting Poetry, old or new" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Carolyn Devonshire; judged on 1/20/2020.