BUT WHERE HAS IT GONE ? (Rasamindrakotroka Andry Tiana)

But where has it gone, that wisdom once known,
that guarded our values, deep-rooted, home-grown?
Which made even strangers admire from afar,
our honor, our truth like a guiding star.

But where is the wisdom our elders once held,
where helping each other was how we excelled?
« A smallest thing » could gather the wise,
to speak, seek peace, and let justice rise.

But where are the virtues we cherished so dear,
that watched over others through hardship or cheer?
North calling to south: “Come walk by my side,”
no bartered respect, no egos to hide.

But where is the care for what's just and what's right,
once guarded like vision, with God as our light?
The strong and the weak shared a common way,
together they journeyed toward heaven’s ray.

But where is the truth that life stands alone,
so no blood was spilled where no fault was shown?
We shielded each other with love as our chain,
and harmony flowed, like water through rain.

Let us rise again, bring the old ways anew,
the wisdom that made us admired and true.
Each of us bearing our stone with great pride,
and once more, the world will look on, starry-eyed.

RASAMINDRAKOTROKA Andry Tiana
June 26, 2025
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