ORIGINAL TEXT: The 1987 Philippine Constitution

Article III: Bill of Rights

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

CONVERSION: Poem                               Equality

Life is precious,

That no one should lose,

Freedom is a treasure,

Especially to the poor.

All that we own,

Let it be known,

No one can get it,

Unless the law allows it.

Equality should prevail,

And should not fail,

To give protection,

Not oppression.

Explanation:

            The original text is only one sentence, a compound sentence. It is composed of two main clauses. On the other hand, the poem is composed of sentences that are cut informally to achieve rhyme. Nouns are dominant and simple words are use in both texts. Since the original text is a section under the bill of rights, it is clear and straightforward to be easily understood by the reader. In contrary, the poem use the adjective “precious” and figurative phrase (freedom is a treasure) to wake the emotions of the readers. Even though the form and function differs, both texts convey the same meaning.