From ancient tales of mythical heroes to modern-day stories of bravery and sacrifice, the idea of heroism continues to captivate the human imagination. It is through acts of heroism that we witness the best of human potential and aspirations, as individuals rise above their limitations and selflessly embrace a higher purpose. That is what President Kagame and his fellow liberators demonstrated when they took up arms against a brutal state machinery to challenge a dictatorship and later put their lives on the line to stop the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Through his readiness to sacrifice his own life to liberate yours, he reminds us of the importance of courage, selflessness, and determination in facing the challenges of life. Indeed, his example teaches us that heroism embodies the very best of our essence as people and lights the path to greatness for every one of us, if only we give it a shot, like he did. The following poem is one in a cluster of poems penned to celebrate and capture the echoes, and lessons drawn, from the brilliance of a man who has faced extra-ordinary adversity and triumphed over a milliard of constraints to squeeze possibilities out of improbabilities. INFINITE FAITH Infinite Faith Is like an elastic thread That lengthens With every stretch, Never breaks No matter The strain; Never sways No matter The temptation; Never despairs No matter The deprivation; For He, Like it, Is the rock That inspires Enduring belief. He has always Had my infinite faith, And even in the twilight Of my days, I am dedicated To follow him To the end Of the world: My every thought His every concern to share My every prayer His very health to shelter My every song His very name to praise Not because he is God But because he epitomizes God's best expectations Of man: Care and compassion Courage and Grit Honor and Humility Fairness and Foresight Thoughtfulness And Forthrightness Honesty and Integrity, And loyalty to a T!! My every wish For his every endeavour to thrive Not because I serve him, But because he gave Me an opportunity To be part of something bigger Than any diamond or gold: The rebirth of a new nation; And the unparalleled joy To see my children Grow up Better than I did; With a place to call home; A flag to define their place Secure in their right to believe That no matter how dark the night They will bathe in the warm rays Of tomorrow's sunshine!! Yes, Share his concerns Shelter his life Praise his name And let my voice Be part Of the deafening cry Of the multitude Across the land: The widows Scarred by death; Healed by care. The orphans, Bloodied by hate; Restored by compassion. The women, Marginalised by tradition; Freed by deliberate action. The youth, Drowned by neglect; Reaffirmed by choice. The farmers, Like their broken hoes, Forgotten By extension services; Lifted By policy and innovation. The cycle taxi-men, Pinned down By unpaying sweat; Enriched By digitised motoring. Yes, Share his concerns Shelter his life Praise his name And let my voice Be part Of the deafening cry Of the multitude Across the continent: Who hear; And like a thundering choir Share his faith And echo his call For an emboldened Africa; Speaking with one voice Calling for political Unity And economic integration As key pillars In affirming Our dignity; Anchored By the infinite bounty Bestowed Upon our land By the most Generous hand. Yes, Share his concerns Shelter his life Praise his name And let my voice Be part Of the deafening cry Of the multitude Affirming our faith In the best Among us; And about us. The author is a former Ambassador of Rwanda to Turkey and former High Commissioner to India and United Kingdom.
