1896 Aurelio Alvero The cry awoke Balintawak,/ And the echoes answered back// "FREEDOM!

" All the four winds listened long/ To the shrieking of that song// "FREEDOM!" I heard it/ from the planters in the vales// I heard it/ from the traders tying bales// I heard it/ where the fishers strike their sails// "FREEDOM!" Every poet struck his lyre/ With those burning notes of fire// "FREEDOM!" All the women knelt to pray/ In their hearts that frenzied lay// "FREEDOM!" Even the children and the old/ Took to arms and shouted bold/ "FREEDOM!" I heard it/ from the huskers 'neath the trees// I heard/ from the divers of the sea// I heard/ from the pounders in the leas// "FREEDOM!" All the people raised the cry/ Fearing not to bleed or die// "FREEDOM!" Up the mountain,/ down the plain,/ Louder,/ louder/ rang the strain/ "FREEDOM!" All the tombs of slave and sire/ Broke to voice that great desire// "FREEDOM!" I heard it/ from the makers of the brooms//

I heard it/ from the weavers at their looms// I heard it/ from the smoking smithy rooms.// "FREEDOM!" From the temples,/ from the shrines,/ From the bosom of the mines// "FREEDOM!" Kris and bolo flashed in the light,/ Thunder-voices air did smite// "FREEDOM!" Muscles stount and spirit strong/ Broke the chains with metal song/ "FREEDOM!" I heard it/ from the bullet's whine and roar// I heard it/ in the farthest islet shore// I heard it/ and shall hear it ever more// "FREEDOM!" Note: one slash = short pause two slashes = longer pause