Glorify

(Poem)

glorify

those who were shot in the mouth

those whose tongues were cut

because they revealed

the secrets and hocus pocus

in the palace of the crooks.

glorify

those whose hands were smashed

those whose fingers were cut

because they wrote

scathing truths

against the worm-ridden society.

glorify

those whose eyes were gouged out

those whose ears were slashed

because they saw the face of injustice

and clearly heard the voice

of greediness and exploitation.

glorify

those whose knees were sawed-off

their bones crushed

because they refused to kneel

at the alluring altar

of corrupt false gods.

glorify

those whose balls were electrocuted

those whose nipples were bitten-off

those forced to drink urine

and heads shoved into the toilet bowl

because they refused to kowtow.

glorify

those who were beheaded

whose severed heads kicked and rolled

down the mountain’s slopes

because their brains were seething

against the rapacious exploiters.

glorify

those who were cemented in drums

fed to the ocean’s navel

because they would not stop fighting

for a peaceful, progressive

sweet-scented democratic society.

yes, glorify them all

those who sacrificed blood and life

in the time of their journey

those who felled in the pitch-dark night

while the fireflies kept vigil

and lamenting was the plated moon.

glorify, yes, glorify

those whose aims were honorable

those whose dreams were sacred

those who desired to eradicate

the scourge of misery and sorrow

and the onslaught of darkness and fear.

glorify them all

blazing petals of fire

are their memories

that will illuminate

our hearts and minds

they are like diamonds

glittering forevermore

or brilliantly shining billion stars

enkindling our paths

until the enveloping darkness dies

and from the slit-open belly

of the exploitative class

social justice, progress

and genuine democracy

soon will be brought forth

to prevail in our beloved land!

(modified English version by KARLA LENINA COMANDA of my GUNITAIN)