If I had the chance to visit my fallen heroes of the past,
Would I beg for their wisdom, or weep for what was lost?
What could I have done to shape a better generation?

If only I could stand before my colonizers,
Look into their eyes and say—
Leave us our culture, our gold, our columbite,
Take your westernization and let us remain whole.

If only I could witness the lashes on their backs,
The chains biting into their skin,
The silent cries of those who bled for a land
I now barely recognize.
They fought to preserve a tradition I can hardly live,
A language I can barely speak,
Yet, I wrap myself in a foreign tongue
That clashes with the roots beneath my feet.

If only I could turn back time—
To a world where those who won our freedom
Still held the reins of power,
Where greed and corruption
Would tremble at their voices.

But now I know.
I do not belong to the days of my forebears,
Yet I am here, and my time is now.
I can be the change I long to see.

And you—
You can carry the banner of peace,
The torch of unity,
The spirit of integrity—
Not just in words,
But in the actions our Imams, Pastors, and Priests
Have long preached.

If only you choose
To be the one
Who begins the change.