Yon ti pèp ou vire jan w vle
Yon ti pèp ou tounen l jan w vle
Li pa bezwen anpil pou l satisfè
Tout sa l bezwen se lapè
Men yo aprann li mache nan fènwa
Yo fè l bliye valè l, bliye fòs li a
Chak jou se batay pou kenbe lafwa
Men nan je l toujou gen limyè espwa
Komanw fè fè saa mechanste
Ak ki kè ou fè saa ap pase mizè
Hélas! Malgré tou nou toujou kenbe
Paske nou espere yon jou Solèy la ap leve
Yo ba l pwomès ki pa janm rive
Yo vann li rèv ki toujou kraze
Men malgre sa l kontinye kanpe
Paske nan kè l, libète ap bat
Li pa mande richès ni dominasyon
Li pa mande kouwòn ni ovasyon
Jis respè, jis rekonesans
Pou l leve tèt li san opresyon
Komanw fè fè saa mechanste
Ak ki kè ou fè saa ap pase mizè
Hélas! Malgré tou nou toujou kenbe
Paske nou espere yon jou Solèy la ap leve
Chak manman ap kriye an silans
Chak timoun ap grandi twò vit nan soufrans
Men lanmou toujou kenbe balans
Se li ki fè pèp la kenbe rezistans
Komanw fè fè saa mechanste
Ak ki kè ou fè saa ap pase mizè
Hélas! Malgré tou nou toujou kenbe
Paske nou espere yon jou Solèy la ap leve
Yon ti pèp, men gwo nan lespri
Chak chire kache istwa lavi
Si w kite l pale, w ap tande vwa li
Ki di: “Lapè se sèl avni”
Komanw fè fè saa mechanste
Ak ki kè ou fè saa ap pase mizè
Hélas! Malgré tou nou toujou kenbe
Paske nou espere yon jou Solèy la ap leve
Reading this evocative poem, I am reminded of the profound strength that communities possess even under the darkest circumstances. The repeated refrain, "Komanw fè fè saa mechanste / Ak ki kè ou fè saa ap pase mizè," poignantly questions the cruelty inflicted and the suffering endured, yet it is resilience and hope that ultimately shine through. In my personal experience volunteering with refugee communities, I have witnessed how the human spirit clings to the promise of peace and freedom despite persistent challenges. No amount of hardship can erase the core desires expressed in the poem: the need for respect, recognition, and the ability to live without oppression. The lines "Li pa mande richès ni dominasyon / Li pa mande kouwòn ni ovasyon" resonate deeply, as they reject superficial rewards in favor of fundamental human dignity. This poem calls us to reflect on the social and historical forces that cause people to "mache nan fènwa" (walk in darkness) and forget their value. It also reminds us that hope is not passive; it is an active, sustaining force that empowers people to continue fighting for justice. I have learned that supporting marginalized voices means listening to these stories of struggle and hope, sharing their truths, and advocating for change that restores peace and equality. Ultimately, the poem’s vision that "Lapè se sèl avni" (Peace is the only future) is a powerful call to action for all who believe in humanity’s shared dignity. It inspires a personal commitment to stand with those who suffer, recognizing their strength and helping to amplify their voices until the "jou Solèy la ap leve" (the day the sun rises) comes for all.











































