1. Do my people know that in this land lies gain,
That in it is a treasure and in its soil, fertility.

2. In its forests lie bounty, beauty and joy,
In its depths, oil, and in its seas, pearls.

3. Those who denied us our rights enjoyed it,
And oppressed us while roaring like lions.

4. They orphaned children and shed our blood,
And cemented ignorance, which is most perilous.

5. They hid the land's treasures though bright they were,
Stealing them openly, by force and tyranny.

6. And its people spent nights hungry, and whenever
Hunger grew fierce, they cried "When will dawn break?"

7. My homeland, the land is poor without
Men of knowledge, and knowledge is light.

8. I call for building schools - would that
I see the seeds of hope grow and bear fruit.

9. I call in vain, for calling yields only sorrow,
And from the mine of sorrows comes burning embers.

10. Do my calls fall on deaf ears? Can poetry
Awaken those whose eternal sleep no din can stir?