So this poem is for cases and spaces
hope laced on bright and happy faces
Its for bravery
That made us fly over oceans, rivers and sees
to convene here at the IDRC…
This poem is for children
The ones whose lives we have gathered to improve
Its for educators, the ones whose pains we want to soothe
Its for support
To those officials whose days have been blue
This poem is for us
For our willingness to give
And to receive
And to share
And to bless
And to keep going, even when progress feels like moving pebbles up a monutain.
This poem is for the one in Canadian tux
For the one that loves walks and skis in the snow
Its for the vertically advantaged
For the Joy giver from the East of Alkebulan
Its for the GPE man in dapper suit
For the ones with No Rags
This poem is for the Blum that Blooms
For the Malam sitting at the confluence of the Chari and the Longone river
For the confirmed-men (and women)
Again…
This poem is for the western country girl with ties to the east
Its for the Damas and Caballeros in our midst
Its for the Senhoras senhores here.
This poem is for all of us
For our dedication
And committment to triumph
Like Achilles triumphed over Hector at the gate of Troy
This poem is for those that have burnt
And those still aflame
And the countless unamed.
This poem is for us all…
Until we meet again.