Embla Ademi, you will triumph...; 11 April 2024

11 April, 2024

"EMBLA ADEMI, YOU WILL TRIUMPH…"

 

Internet link :

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/11/europe/north-macedonia-bullied-girl-president-intl-scli/index.html

 

“An 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome was being bullied. So her country’s President walked her to school.”  Allegra Goodwin, CNN

 

In February 2022, the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, gave a fitting reply to those who bullied Embla Ademi, the girl with Down syndrome. He walked her to school, gave her gifts and met her mother.

 

“The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest member.” Attributed to Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948).

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                                      "EMBLA ADEMI, YOU WILL TRIUMPH…"

 

It sure is a tough life.

I struggle every day,

I face obstacles, jeers,

Cruelty after cruelty.

Others are luckier in class…

But my Mom is my best friend.

She understands me,

She stays by my side

And helps me,

Every day, all the time.

 

I try to understand this world,

But, it is too much for my mind.

I want to make friends,

I want to be like others,

But I sense cruelty all around.

I struggle to understand things.

How come I am different ?

What is so wrong with me ?

Am I not a human being like them ?

 

I love them,

I never try to hurt them,

But this life is strange, indeed.

Very few friends do I have.

Yet, I keep struggling,

I face off the sneers all the time.

 

How come my life is like this ?

It’s a beautiful place,

But I don’t understand why people hate me.

I don’t ask much,

I don’t tease others,

I just life my simple life.

 

A very kind man came to see me;

He brought me gifts,

He was so caring towards me.

He talked to me and my Mom.

I felt so happy.

Life is good.

I hope it goes on like this.

 

He held me by the hand

And walked me to school.

People watched.

Something special must have happened.

I was overjoyed

That I had a big friend.

So, he is not one of those who hate me,

I am so glad now.

 

Please, you all,

Let it be so every day.

It is so good to be loved.

I am happy.

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Soman Ragavan

11 April, 2024

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