They came in solidarity with one beat,
with banners singing out the higher call for
Democracy, sometimes whispered and soft,
sometimes shouting against the toxic rain.

The podium stands higher than before.
The microphone grows louder, clearer, bright.
The gathering finds the will to fight and stand
in this cause that lifts weakness to strength.

Who in history also dared to raise their hands?
Who questioned, who dissented, who were tall?
Their names were written in tidal sands,
and their chairs sit empty in the meeting halls.

They were not afraid of speaking truth,
of saying, “I disagree”, of sitting in the fray,
of making spaces for doubt, for other views,
for messiness and multiplicity, but not duplicity,

So here we stand, at crossroads, in the square,
where voices can rise in difference and still blend.
as chorus, ragged, wild, resolved and free,
a beautiful cacophony standing against the wave.

20/6/2025