ODE TO THE FLOWER OF PEACE

Wine, it is said, appreciates with time;

This madam is proof to this old-line;

She has the charm truly Caviteña

        and grace and wit of an Escolarina.

She was born in nineteen thirty one

        in Ternante, a coastal town;

And later as designed by destiny,

        with her close up smile, she charmed Rudy.

The union of Paz and Dr. Rudy

        was blessed with angels – Rey, Rene

        Beck, Tep, Bing and Jobi –

        a host of joy in their home full of glee.

Not even the seal of matrimony

        could flicker her zeal to study;

An MA folled her BSE

        . . . at seventy-two came her Ph. D.

This Quezonian is a teacher . . .

        personnel consultant . . . realty broker;

Also a prolific writer,

        books on various topics, she has authored.

A Rotarian she is,

        an educator in the Apnieve list;

Most of all, she is our flower of peace . . .

Dr. Paz Dolorfino Flores.

Written and read by Philip Briana on the occasion of Dr. Flores’ twin book launching on April 25, 2008 at Elizabeth Place in Salcedo Village, Makati.