Together, We Stand: a Poem by Mosmi Bhim

 

 Written for the Hibiscus Festival, 2011. Mosmi used to work for the CCF.

We stand here today
To express ourselves
Our throats parched for freedom
Our bloods starved for passion
Can we say what, we want to say?
Can we do what, we want to do?
Let us paint our country yellow
Because we, are yet afraid.
Let us paint our country yellow
Because we are too hesitant
To claim our freedom
To let our bloods throb with passion.

Chorus
But today, we should paint
A new, good day
Where golden dawns
Shimmer on fertile green lands
Voices resonating songs of peace
We will paint a new beginning.

We stand here today
Minute distances hard to bridge
Little dreams hard to share
Small fears we cannot voice
Can we dream of a new, free land?
Can we make, a small space for freedom?
Let us paint our country green
Because we are mired in much envy
Let us paint our country green
Because we want to achieve like our neighbours 
To craft a new destiny
To weave a new future identity.

Chorus
But today, we should paint
A new, good day
Where golden dawns
Shimmer on fertile green lands
Voices resonating songs of peace
We will paint a new beginning.

We stand here today
Imbued to build a new economy
Crafting bricks, wood, metal and cloth
Days and nights, in sunshine, cold and rain
Can we overcome our prejudices and fears?
Can we push aside our laziness and mistrust?
Let us paint our country bronze
Because we have passion to grow our nation
Let us paint our country bronze
Because we want  to grow our nation
To carve a path of productivity
To be free from fear and want.


Chorus
But today, we should paint
A new, good day
Where golden dawns
Shimmer on fertile green lands
Voices resonating songs of peace
We will paint a new beginning.