The “Aragalaya” (The Struggle)

File pic

At age five, ten, thirteen – Galle Face for me was surely a happy place
Seven kids did my parents oft take for a run around & to have a race;
Picnics we did have whether a moon lit 
night or not you bet
Sometimes kites did fly as we did 
watch a glorious sunset.
Last evening, I did vend my way with friends and others like minded,
Wearing black, carrying flags and posters ensuring we make a statement;
Most of us chanting an end to this regime, NO to corruption, so rampant in our land
A call for justice and equality for one and all we shouted as we took a stand.

Cars and buses, ‘tuks’ and vans all honked 
their horns to the latest gig
People of all ages and races, now know the short lyrics they seem to dig!
We did not feel awkward or aliens, as passersby said “way to go”
Some even joined our ranks, urging us in a war like cry not to let go.
Some in our group had never met 
yes in a sense strangers
Yet we walked in solidarity bound to each other from one alma mater as sisters,
Some were senior, others middle aged and 
a few you could call young
Our legs carried us all the way like a march with those leading, our hearts they won.

Once there my eyes beheld many of 
Sri Lanka’s people in this place
It was different from times of old when only 
for enjoyment they came
Now more focused to be a part of the struggle as moments, hours & days go by
As voices were raised : “Aragalayata Jayaweva” 
was a constant cry.
So, we with them did stand and shout it out 
feeling their pulse
Heart warming to see all language groups & religions all added daily an influx 
In this month of Ramadan were our fellow Lankans breaking their fast seated all together;
Whether monk or masses, whatever the language or creed at last seeing each as brother or sister.

Rise Sri Lanka and raise your voices 
for a better nation 
Where our kids and grands and each 
successive generation
Can live side by side with dignity, compassion 
and greater understanding
Where I take up the rights of all my brothers, my mind always transforming
Let’s together call all whether north or south east or west – “My People”
And be a voice for the voiceless, the down trodden so they can rise as an eagle
It’s time to get off our comfortable 
couches and our consternation
And be out there with the masses in their 
cries of desperation.

Sarla Williams
April 2022