White Roses

By Mayyu Ali

In this moment, at this time 
An untasted atmosphere spreads in Myanmar’s metros 
  Where is the fragrance coming from? 
Is it the breeze from Paradise?

Monks, peace lovers and social activists 
Standing at entrance of mosques 
Holding white roses in their hands 
Sending Metta to Muslim brothers and sisters   

In our Burmese sense, 
White represents for purity 
A colour in our National Flag 
A colour our people adore   

These white roses, so real and colourful 
 Symbols of love and peace 
A show of interfaith solidarity 
Sharing respect, love and synergy   

Rays of new hope 
Brand-new humanitarian spirits 
Promoting coexistence and harmony 
Resilience towards hatred and extremism   

Whilst white roses exchange hand to hand 
Let love and kindness transform heart to heart 
Let trust replace fear 
May the White Rose campaign make a White 
Nation of Myanmar?     

About Poem: ​: On May 16, 2019, a nationalist mob descended in Yangon to shut down Muslim’s Ramadan prayers. The next day, a monk showed up to hand white roses to Muslims after prayers. Since then, some Burmese interfaith activists have been running the ‘White Rose Campaign’ around cities in Myanmar to show solidarity with Muslims.

29-05-2019 
The Art Garden Rohingya