Mr. V.

Many words describe Mr. V.
An immigrant from the homeland of the Philippines,
where warmth and adobo are present.
Where seasons of wet and dry are of importance.

At the age of 39,
the journey began
to a country unknown.

Feelings of snowflakes fluttering down onto his eyelashes,
he set foot onto winter’s frozen doorstep.
Only to have the ice catch him by surprise.

Fellow Canadians
rushed to help him and lessen his fall.
A welcome message,
sent by the land of Canada.

A strong, brave man
who believes his life is set on a script.
For recovering from a surgery of the heart
is of no easy feat.

On land and fleeing high waters
in the floods of 2013,
the frenzy of Mother Nature
is experienced.

But most of all,
at the age of 81,
and still staying so strong,
Mr. V is a father.

A comedic, humourous, and loving father
who loves and cares for his two daughters.

A father who laid down the roots
for many generations to come.

A father who has the heart of pure gold.
Salamat.

Thank you, Mr. Reynaldo V, for being the inspiration to our poem.
Sincerely, Aaron and Katerina