Even If It Takes A Lifetime

About the Author:

Nicanor P. Tiosen was born on January 10, 1953 at La Paz, Leyte. He is the third of nine children born to Nemesio, Sr. And Corazon. In 1974, he finished a four-year course in Arts and Sciences leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science from the Divine Word University of Tacloban City. He graduated Magna cum laude. In 1985, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Evangelical Ministry from New Era College (now New Era University). He also finished his Master of Arts in College Teaching from said institution in 1993 and is at present enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of the Philippines.

The author is an Iglesia Ni Cristo Minister of the Gospoel and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at New Era Univeristy. He is married to the former Luviminda M. Salanga and their union is blessed with three daughters, Feamor Vyn, Feliz Gemmavyn, and Fiel Ervyn.

Although an amateur in poem writing, Nick, nonetheless, has already won recognition. His "Even It Takes a Lifetime" earned him the 1997 Editor's Choice Award in the North American Open Poetry Contest sponsored by The National Library of Poetry based in Owing Mills, Maryland, USA. Another poem, "Wherever The Road Takes You," is a finalist in the same contest. Also, his "Till Man Breathes His Last" was a finalist at the 1997 Sparrowgrass Poetry Competition. All three poems are included in poetry anthologies. The first is in the anthology, "The Glow Within," the second in "Beyond The Horizon," and the third in "Rhymes of Greatness" published by the Famous Poets Society in Hollywood, California. A fourth poem, "Hold Back The Dawn," is included in the anthology "Best Poems of 1998," again published by the National Library of Poetry. Only the first three poems are included in this volume, though.

As an Iglesia Ni Cristo Minister of the Gospel, Nick believes that everything is willed by the Almighty Father Who works in His own mysterious ways. Loved ones may inspire an individual to create great masterpieces or works of art, but the ultimate inspiration comes from Him. Nick is also aware that success does not grow overnight, hence, he is willing to wait, even if it takes a lifetime.

EVEN IF IT TAKES A LIFETIME Page 55
If it takes a lifetime

to realize a dream

never would I give up

though it may cause some pain.

If it takes a lifetime

to reach the goal

I will keep on going to the end -

rising up, evey time I fall

If it takes a life time

to find lasting happiness

then would I not be surprised at all

should a beautiful day be shrouded in mist

If it takes a lifetime

gladly would I wait

for a wonderful promise

of a love that's so great

Sweet success does not come overnight, I know.

But I'll watch each spring from the ground and grow.

I'll patiently hope for its fruit midst dirt and grime,

even if it takes a lifetime.

(1997 Editor's Choice Award The National Library of Poetry Owing Mills, Maryland Included in the anthology "The Glow Within")