::Ethiopia: Ballots to Bullets::

The upper lip furls to expose fangs,
Yet the eyes tell of fear,
And behind the uniform beats a heart that bleeds.
A nervous finger on the trigger,
Barrel aimed and too ready.

Silver drops sizzle through the air
And slash through flesh.
With a look of wonder and surprise,
His knees silently hit the ground,
Where his body folds in on itself in a lifeless heap.

Metallic-smelling rivers snake down the streets,
Picking up dust and debris,
Leaving the memory of nothing.

Wondime, put down that rock!
Yene lij, lower your shirt!
Today is not your day to die.

Ehete, dry your eyes!
Enate. Enate, squelch your cries!
Tomorrow must bring hope.

May the siren song of the future
Seduce those who can.
May their eyes insist to look
Upon the burning bush of Democracy.
And may their hearts be pierced
With the arrow of wisdom,
So they may reach
For something more.