Gerardo C. Edra, Sr.

Los Angeles, California

Gerardo C. Edra, Sr. or Gerry (his pen name) was called to serve in the USAFFE under the command of Gen. MacArthur, 43 days before Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese Forces. After World War II, he continued his services in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and retired in 1967 after graduation in BSEE & BSE and taught for Elementary & High School Education. Retired from the L.A. County in 1988 and from the L.A. Unified School District in 1993. A member in American Legion & AMVETs (being a veteran), FACLA, and Holy Name Society. A current Eucharistic Minister. His wife was a teacher, too, with five children, all professionals now through the efforts within the family. "Poetry is the garden of my heart; the flowers of my love to mankind whoever, wherever they are!"

Christmas

Lucky are those humble shepherds,
Whom His favors chorus of angels,
Glory to God from high in heaven,
Peace on earth His message given.

Happy are the wise men in the East,
Star shines the path full of bliss,
Gold, frankincense, myrrh they bring,
Pay homage to adore the newborn King.

Luckiest are we the gift to mankind,
His son Jesus our redeemer so divine,
Born to fulfill to set life examples,
Christmas is family without crumbles.

Christmas is love to person for caring,
Christmas is the spirit for sharing,
Christmas in our heads full of love,
Forgive and forget to show faith in God.

What Am I?

I'm neither like you nor someone,
Complains and speaks for his mind,
Who's full of hate so troublesome,
But a family of purpose what am I?

All over the world I can be found,
Created of single tricolor up high,
Every country on earth I surmount,
With salutes and respect what am I?

I bother no one or anybody around,
So quiet at rest if weather is fine,
But hate darkness or water abound,
I shout but can't hear what am I?

A veteran of all wars for America,
Anywhere I always lead to strike,
With comrades all ready in replica,
For better or for worst what am I?

1996 critical year of my existence,
My lovers all around full of sigh,
Burn, abuse by hate of persistence,
Even the court cares not what am I?