They are Alive
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| Eritreans in Washington, D.C. commemorating Martyrs Day |
They are Alive
On a beautiful weathered-day capped by a sunset that welcomed the night
On warm bright night
As if dancing in-joy, for the glory of the night
The candles danced as they gave light
Soft cottony white clouds floating beneath blue fading sky
Embracing bright shining stars that mimicked the candles lights
Embracing a nation, her people
Sitting huddled, in focus
Facing big-brown stage, sitting with families, friends
Decor to honor, in honor for the memories
Candles abound-cuddling pictures
Hugging pictures of the fallen, heroes
Honoring the dignified, with dignity, solemnly
In the city, historic city
Adding glory to a glorious city
Embracing-owning the landmarks
Glorifying Washington’s monuments
Huddled, as they experienced solemn moments
Remembering and honoring the glorious
Reading poems
Singing Songs
Re-living lives lived
Echoing values they espoused
Carrying symbols, portraits and pictures
In unison,
Adorned with flags, uniform and shirts
Walked the path, miles of meandering lines
In the dark, holding candles
In remembrance, with a slogan that echoed
They Are ALIVE
Awetnayu@hotmail.com
Amanuel Biedemariam
On Friday June 20, Eritreans residents of the Metro DC area gathered to observe Eritrean Martyr’s Day at Sylvan Auditorium in Washington DC. The auditorium is located under the historic landmark Washington Monument. The seating is a huge expanse of the Washington Monument grounds nestled in the midst of Washington’s historic landmarks that embrace World War II and Jefferson Memorial grounds that make for a beautiful backdrop for the solemn occasion.
It was mesmerizing to watch the size and the manner in which the attendees conducted the commemoration. It was serene, historic and educational as the poets streamed to explain Eritrea’s history and the significance of June 20 to Eritrea. Noting that Eritrea celebrated Independence Day just weeks before Martyr’s Day, they asked the question what comes first, what should come first.
The organization, the continuous talent that flooded to express gratitude for the Martyrs and the language used was expression to the living legacy of Eritrea’s heroes. It was evidence that Eritrea will keep the legacy alive by nurturing, in deed, by supporting their families and hoisting the flag that flies in their honor. It was a show of unwavering commitment to see children honoring the fallen.
The long meandering lines of Eritreans that stretched for miles as they held candles walking in the midst of the beautiful Washington night was a moment that is seared in memories of all the participants. It was glorious and fitting tribute.
As we walked in line, a young lady dressed the Eritrean flag had the picture of the famous Eritrean Martyr with a gun-smiling with letters in Tigrigna that read ‘Huluw Ikha,” meaning You Are Alive. That captured the imagination and tried to capture it in this poem. Hopefully I it.
They are Alive
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Hulluw ika indeed, we'll keep Our promise the Legacy to Our fallen Heros Martyrs.
ReplyDeleteOur heros would be disappointed the cause they give their precious life has come to be a nightmare for our people.
ReplyDeleteInternational and regional isolation
Started a war with all our neighbors.
Slavery called national service
No higher institution in the country .
No consitution
The list goes on and on....indeed our heros are twisting and rolling in their graves. Having said that the end of the regime is around the corner hence our heros will be a live.
Long live Eritrea
Rest in peace our heros
Yes indeed! They are aiive. They will always be alive. Their spirit will always be with us.
ReplyDeleteEritrea hagerey oh yea we are the best in the world....yea hagerey we have the best leaders yea yea.....oh yea hade hizibi hade libi way too much ajewujew regime supporters.
ReplyDeletehgdef supporters wake up people.
In Eritrea "Moammar Gadhafi" is STILL ALIVE
– Eritrea, the United Nations says, is the planet's least-connected
country. Less than 1% of its people have landlines; just 5.6% have cell
phones. As for the Internet, less than 1% use it, and connections are
almost all dial-up. "Even after waiting half an hour, you might not get
to the page you want," an Eritrean-American journalist tells
Businessweek. Few Eritreans knew of the Arab Spring, and the government
"still hasn’t reported" on the death of Moammar Gadhafi, says an
activist. In the country of six million, there are 146 fixed broadband
connections.
The country is in the grips of a dictatorship that's
been in place for 21 years; journalists see the country as Africa's
North Korea, Caroline Winter writes. Press freedom in the country is the
worst in the world, according to Reporters Without Borders. The
government runs the country's only telecom, and prices for connectivity
are vast relative to average income. And limited communications are just
a part of the problem. This week, the UN slammed "widespread and
systematic" human rights violations in the country, announcing an
investigation into torture and other brutality, the BBC reports.
Saro:
ReplyDeleteAye jahara.... I am willing to beat on it you are a true agame and you have no place in FREE Eritrea. Our country is in the bottom of the list why wont' you care. All that money from the mining in Eritrea is going to support agames like you and TPDM.
I love your name. NayBehaki Wurdet! Lemano = Wurdet!
ReplyDeleteYou allowed me to stand on my two feet as a free Eritrean. I'll keep your legacy until I die.
ReplyDeleteEternal Glory To Our Martyrs!!!!!!!