There is an unspoken evil,
so proud and confident in this land—
the one that took away our sons’ and daughters’ lives,
made their spouses widowers and widows,
their children orphans.

The one we search for while peeping out our windows
when it has already sneaked its way under our beds.
The one installed in this very country’s foundation;
at the centre of its breath
lies our wealth.
It exhales corruption, greed, deception,
and inhales our cries, pain and suffering.

Though disenchanted, we dare pretend it is enchanted,
for fear of being haunted.

There are stories we are rarely allowed to tell,
afraid they might expose who they truly are.

Regardless, I am poetry—
I come as a mystery.

They call me rebellious
because, despite what they have put me through,
I am still zealous enough to fight against their legions.

I am a legend.
I died fighting for what you all will one day enjoy.

I am the hope that rises
when circumstances arise.

I am the magic they justify as myth,
yet many still have faith in me.

I am the choice that maps the way to freedom.
In spite of the consequences,
we embarked on a journey to liberty—
courageous, every one of us who dared
to take it on while expecting the unexpected.

I am the prospect of my children’s future,
the vision that transitions to the next generation.

I am what never stops trying.

*****

[Courtesy of the author]

Link to the Italian translation