Poems for John Hume - A Candle for Peace

Instead of cursing the darkness that shrouded our land,

He took a brave and principled stand.

He was the man who would overcome.

Overcome centuries of discord; decades of hate,

With a vision of a new tomorrow he helped to create.

He was the man who stood his ground.

When bitterness blighted his town of the oak grove,

He promulgated the politics of love.

He was the man who left a lasting legacy.

In his wisdom and integrity, willing to compromise,

Because peace and unity were the ultimate prize.

He was the man who held fast to his dream.

Visionary, modest genius, statesman supreme.

He was the peacemaker called John Hume,

Who enabled the flower of peace to bloom.

Now candles are lighting throughout the land,

In memory of this idealist: this icon; this great man.

By Brid Ewing

Bogay, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal