02/07/2021
An Ode to Master Bale
A toothy smile, bright eyes and a warm handshake, at once, you are at ease
A beautiful spirit, a kindred soul, a brother you will forever make
Qori, noqu sevusevu - taki please.
He is not brash, he listens intently
When he speaks, wisdom flows from a golden heart
Kindness and simplicity, a pillar of older brethren that gather weekly
Io mix.....sa baci start
He will lend an ear to those who need to be heard
He speaks for the meek, bestowed with principle and graces
Mischievous, wonderful sense of humor, bordering the absurd
Mai na guitar....Isa, na Dog Chasers
From the school, to the board, his love of work showed
Faithful, present, call to duty never snubbed
Many he nurtured and taught, great debt is owed
And there is of course the mighty Marist Club!
An infallible sense of integrity he surely possessed
True blessing from our Lord for us
His manner, his character known from east to west
Our brother from Augustine, who became Alphonsus
To you who were blessed to be his family
Know that we hurt like you
We are in shock, God needed him urgently
Thank you for sharing him - Vinaka, vinaka vakalevu
He approaches the new and Eternal Jerusalem
Backpack slung over the shoulder
Wide smile on his face, he sees family, friends and Marist brethren
And to greet him at the gate, Marcellin Champagnat.
Welcome good and faithful servant! says our Lord
You have run the good race, and fought the good fight
And as you are shown into the heavenly abode
We that remain strive to tread your path and follow your light
Moce mada my brother.
Love from everyone in the Marist Family.
Poem by Bernard Hong Tiy
