Prominently veiny and calloused.

Marked how much I have labored.

To serve my family and colleagues,

to my students and made a difference.

My hands have purely served.

Helped my students in search of life’s quest.

Coached how life must be ruled and valued.

Enlightened their minds and uplift their spirit.

My hands, I disciplined to be pure.

To live with dignity and let honesty rules.

Must live within means, purity it must uphold.

Lived by examples and to be true to all.

I am proud of my veiny and calloused hands.

Whom I have raised my kids and kins.

Advised them to be good fellows of the land.

To obey for the truth and serve our motherland.

                                                                                                  ~ Cynthia Cabral

                                                                                                                                                   Philippines