Posted by Kevin Bates Here are the words of a song I wrote in 1999 just after the vote for Independence. O breathe the air now free 2. Holding the memory of years of struggle, 3. Let our forgiving become our best weapon, October 5 1999
on May 19, 2002, 4:31 pm
Toonight the new nation of East Timor will be proclaimed. After the suffering the Timorese people have endured over the past 24 years or so, we pray that their entry as a new nation on the world stage, will be greeted with more than just cheers and toasts. May they be treated with justice and respect, especially by their near neighbours, Australia and Indonesia -
Each of whom have been party to Timorese suffering in different ways.
May this day be a blessing for all those who have helped to bring about this moment of freedom and nationhood, botgh within East Timor and beyond - including many of our own Australians.
1. Bring down the song that celebrates freedom
Sing out the truth and let it be named,
Bring out the courage that births a new nations
Gather the people in peace newly claimed.
Listen for strange harmony -
Hard-won life from life just taken;
Grace becomes the fruit of all thats been.
Holding the memory of life taken down;
Holding the memory with hands that are shaking,
Memories held sacred while hope can be found.
Bringing a chance for a new harmony;
Let our forgiving speak loudly and gentle
The hearts that still hurt from their cruel memory.
Let our revenge be forgivenessXanana Gusmao to the people of East Timor
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