O Shashemenie!
By Fikre Mariam Workneh
July 12, 2020
My heart is broken, it is in a deep grief indeed
My tears are pouring on my face, I am crying aloud
Morning the destruction of your property, your injured and dead
O Shashemenie, I am so sorry about what happened!
Like a falling tree whose roots are exposed
Like a building that is shattered by strong storm and wind
Like an overflown river that is destroying a land
You left your children unsafe and unprotected
You left your children homeless, scattered all over as far as an eye can see and beyond
O Shashemenie, I am so sorry about what happened!
In the grip of inter-ethnic violence, there is no room for brotherhood and sisterhood
No one can predict what the future will hold
The nightmare will not end till people are awakened and come to understand
What they witnessed was cruel and real, not a dream that has gone bad
O Shashemenie, I am so sorry about what happened!
I beg you all Ethiopians to be Ethiopia’s good shepherd and her guardian
For the sake of the future of our children and grandchildren.
We are fellow brothers and sisters of the same flesh and blood
We are the descendants of generations that tilled the same land
Our rich and unique history must always be kept and upheld.
And to you, Shashemenie, I say, heal your wounds and pain
Show us that the tears, fear, and despair of your children will not be in vain
Rebuild your homes, buildings, and schools destroyed for the wrong reason
Show us that you are resilient, persistent, patient and have a great determination
That you will come back stronger and shine, even brighter, again!
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