The Pillars Of Our Democracy

For the love of this nation

You sacrificed your days

For your deep admiration of our country

You fought tooth and nail to secure our tomorrow

For your firm belief in the values of democracy

You abandoned your palaces for prison

For your strong faith in human rights

You endured sleepless nights so that your struggle will not be in vain

Just for our sake

You endured torture and persecution and imprisonment

So that tolerance, accommodation and respect shall triumph

You spilled your precious blood

And gave up your life that we might have life

Now your blood has become

The pillars of our democracy

Chukwunwikezarramu okumephuna

July 13, 2009.