TO JOSEPHINE

This poem was created by Rizal for his foreign lover also known as his common-law wife, Josephine Bracken. This clearly shows how much he cares and admires Josephine despite being exiled in Dapitan. Their love is both sweet and tragic since they never got to experience the real happiness of being together. 

Josephine, Josephine

Who to these shores have come

Looking for a nest, a home,

Like a wandering swallow;

If your fate is taking you

To Japan, China or Shanghai,

Don't forget that on these shores

A heart for you beats high.