To Live Freely Poem by Latha Prem Sakhya

What can I do for my people?
Greatest love in the world-
Sacrificing your life for your friend.

This is my way of showing love!
Dying inch by inch to change stone hearts.
What else can a frail creature like me do?

This, I see as my destiny!
Some one will see me!
Some one will hear me!

After twenty-eight dormant years
I live vibrantly now
For a mute people.

Ten wintry years - yellow leaves
Falling silently,
Wrought no changes.

I brushed not my teeth
In fear that a dropp of water
Be swallowed to defeat the cause.

My body and soul dedicated
To ensure freedom for my people
To fearlessly survive the iron rod of the oppressor.


(Dedicated to Irom Shormila)