To my beloved grandfather and mentor, Papa Blanco
In preparation for your soul’s encounter with God,
Pain and agony consumed you,
The suffering you felt purified you
In your bed during your last day on earth.
And quickly, quietly, you left.
I didn’t have the chance to see you;
I was unable to tell you,
Oh! as I used to do,
How much I loved you;
I didn’t tell you that your advice
And wisdom were a lighthouse in my life;
That your praise, sense of fun and tenderness
Filled my heart with joy.
Today, I am brokenhearted
Because you are not among us;
Today I am grieving so
Because, quickly, quietly, you left;
It consoles me to know I have
The example of your dignified life.