Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell) is a poem written by Jose Rizal on the eve of his execution.

Rizal background

Mi Ultimo Adios is a poem written by Jose Rizal, who is revered as the martyr of the Philippines. The poem expresses themes of love for country. Although Rizal's proposals were non-violent, he was too symbolic a figure that the Spanish authorities feared him. Jose Rizal was given generous opportunities to escape but chose to remain in the Philippines as an expression of his dedication for his cause.

On the eve of his execution , at the age of 35, he wrote a long poem, his last poem at Fort Santiago, Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell). Three minutes past 7:00 on the morning of December 30, 1896. He hid the poem inside a gas burner and gave the it to his sister, Trinidad and his wife Josephine. He married Josephine Bracken before a priest, with guards as witnesses.

Political impact

The poem was recited by U.S. Congressman Henry Cooper to lobby for management of Philippine affairs when the Philippines was a U.S. Colony. The Philippines was perceived as a community of barbarians and incapable of self government. Realizing the nobility of the author, the recital moved the other congressman to enact the Philippine Bill of 1902 to enable self-government.

See also

• The poem text on Wikisource

Resources

• Reciting of US Congressman Henry Cooper Before the House of Congress
• Details of Jose Rizal's last night