New Down in Africa and the Middle East

New Dawn in Africa and the Middle East

They called us “the sleeping giant, but

Is this the time of our awakening?

Fifty plus years passed when colonial flags came down

And colorful new Freedom flags were raised.

How did we get so far behind?

Did those who fought for Freedom, die in vain?

Is it a betrayal for the sons and daughters of the freedom fighters?

Do we see a new dawn of Freedom?

Shame to the tyrants and thieves who stole our Freedom

Our aspirations and our future.

We became the laughing stock among nations.

Drought, civil war and killing is what others learn about us

We lost precious time as they enjoyed their life

But new generations say no more dictators

Thanks to Mohamed Bouazizi of Tunisia

Who lit a fire to die Free!

He could not earn a living with his Degree and

Could not live free, subjected to humiliation and shame

This man symbolizes Liberty and a choice worth to live free

His self-immolation ignited the flame of freedom for Africa and the Mid-East

Your death has liberated millions and will free millions more

We salute you and ask Almighty God to grant you His Heaven, after this life.

Millions of courageous Egyptians gathered at Cairo’s Tahrir Square

To demand their freedom and a better life

It took eighteen days to kick the last living pharaoh out of Egypt

No-one could imagine this could be;

Thirty years was not enough for him to kill and torture

Let him join Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in exile.

As they never venture out of their Palaces and comfortable surroundings

Let the dictators and their families see how it feels to be poor.

No servants, body guards and little people to kick around.

Let them taste the same shame they subjected on their people.

Let them die on foreign soil in disgrace.

Close the Tadmor and Istinaf prisons, so people can breathe freely.

Let emergency laws fade away, so people can raise their voices.

Let fireworks burst over Tahrir Square and people cry with joy

Let the freedom flame shine across Africa and the Mid-East

Let the all oppressed people hear its voice and be free!

By Farah M. Mohamed