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. The Warrior's Creed Across the flat Savannah plains, On the tails Of easterly winds Softy floats Soothing voices Quietly retelling tales Of a warrior With a heart of gold; And the bravery Of a pride of lions, Who vowed To be true to himself; Dedicated to serve A people deserving care Without care for self; Ready to pay The ultimate price To deliver them Hope and dignity His life, the wing To shelter them From raging Storms of hate. His men, To share his fate; For theirs in an echo Of his loyalty To a liberating vision: Answering the call Through blood And sweltering sweat, A bond profound And deep: Courage Resilience Grit and Duty: Virtues to keep The author is a former Ambassador of Rwanda to Turkey and former High Commissioner to India and United Kingdom.
