glorify
those whose hands were smashed
those whose fingers were bashed
because they wrote
scathing truths
against the worm-ridden society.

glorify
those whose eyes were gouged-out
those whose ears were slashed
because they saw the face of injustice
and clearly heard the voice
of greediness and exploitation.

glorify
those whose knees were sawed-off
their bones crushed
because they refused to kneel
at the alluring altar
of corrupt false gods.

glorify
those whose balls were electrocuted
those whose nipples were bitten-off
those who were forced to drink urine
and heads shoved into the toilet bowl
because they refused to kowtow.

glorify
those who were beheaded
whose severed heads kicked and rolled
down the mountain slopes
because seething were their brains
against the exploitative ruling class.

glorify
those who were cemented in drums
fed to the ocean’s navel
because they would not stop struggling
for a peaceful, progressive
sweet-scented democratic society

yes, glorify them all
those who sacrificed blood and life
in the time of their perilous journey
those who felled in the pitch-dark night
while the fireflies kept vigil
and lamenting was the gold plated moon.

glorify, yes, glorify
those whose aims were honorable
those whose dreams were sacred
those who desired to eradicate
the scourge of misery and sorrow
and the onslaught of darkness and fear.

glorify them all
blazing petals of fire are their memories
that will illuminate our hearts and minds
they are like diamonds glittering forevermore
or brilliantly shining billion stars
enkindling our paths
until the enveloping darkness dies
and from the slit-open belly of the exploitative class
social justice, progress and genuine democracy
soon will be brought forth
to prevail in our beloved land!