A Cry from the Margins: Where do we truly belong? 

Javed Bolah’s poem explores the contrast between the vibrant celebration of freedom and the persistent challenges of inequality within the nation. As it marks 57 years of independence, the poem reflects on what it truly means to be Mauritian. Through clear imagery and thoughtful observations, it calls for unity in addressing these disparities and emphasizes the importance of kindness in our interactions. The poem highlights each individual’s role in building a more equitable future, encouraging citizens to come together and embrace their differences to foster a sense of community.

By Javed Bolah

In bright colors, our land does grow,
But shadows linger, and the sadness shows.
As we celebrate 57 years of being free,
I wonder: where do we really belong, you and me?

Once we were tied to a distant crown,
We broke those chains, shouting, “We’re free now!”
But from that freedom, new chains came down,
As many voices stay quiet, leaving us with a frown.

We cast aside the shackles of a corrupt reign,
But still, the shadows of old cronies remain.
Numbers show a clear truth we can see:
A 10%, 20%, 30% gap in jobs; some are treated inequitably.
Discrimination pulls us down, while togetherness wins;
In workplaces, biases brew, and talent often wears thin.

I hear the stories from friends near and far,
Scrolling through job ads, their hopes feel like scars.
“I’m ready, I’m qualified, yet I am ignored,”
As opportunities seem locked behind a door.

But amidst this trouble, a brave few stand tall,
They resist, they gather, they answer the call.
Keeping the peace and kindness we once knew,
Bringing us together, me and you.

The new leaders of the land face a big test ahead,
With a 60-0 victory, our hopes they now lead.
Their trust we hold close, as we watch them take charge,
Yet we call on those who spread hate to pause and reflect,
For we know the harm in instigating division is large.

Oh, leaders in power, hear my call,
In this beautiful mix of cultures, let kindness not fall.
Why must my dreams seem less than yours?
While some hold power behind locked doors?

Can you not see the chains of the heart?
These quiet fears that keep us apart?
In tough times, we remember we’re all the same,
Yet when calm returns, we forget and blame.

In adversity, we bond, yet in calm we divide,
Old biases persist until they’re set aside.
In public and private workplaces, where are our faces?
Do we matter less in this land of all races?

A young girl said, “I watch from the side, unheard,”
Her voice a whisper, without any word.
What’s become of our faith and our care?
In daily choices, kindness feels rare.

So here’s my call, let’s join together,
To leaders and friends, through any kind of weather:
Step beyond votes, let kindness shine bright.
Every rejection means a heart breaks that night.

Let’s unify, and we can change our fate,
Embrace our differences—together we’re great!
Together we rise, let walls tumble down,
For freedom shines best when it’s shared all around.

As we commemorate our independence day,
Let us pledge to forge a more equitable way.
For every Mauritian, both old and new,
Deserves a bright future—yes, me and you.

Equality for all, not just for a few,
When we stand together, there’s so much we can do.
In the light of our troubles, I ask, who wins?
Do votes matter more than the love that begins?

Like the phoenix rising from ashes, we grow,
Let every voice be heard; let kindness overflow.
For the future belongs to those who dare to dream,
In this land full of hope, let’s build a new team.

Let’s stand together, hand in hand,
Rise as one nation—yes, you and me!

Source: Le Mauricien