Choice, dignity and freedom - and the quiet strength of being heard

Natalia who attends our weekly news club wrote this poem in early 2022, when she was living in Kyiv, Ukraine. The postscript at the end was added recently to reflect her experiences of living in the UK.

“Back then, I had no idea that I would one day share it far from home—or that its meaning would become so powerful and so relevant, not only for me, but for countless others across the world. As someone who was forced to leave home because of war, I have come to understand the true value of democracy—not as an abstract idea, but as a daily reality. This poem is about choice, dignity, and freedom—and about the quiet strength of being heard.”

For me, democracy is freedom’s voice,

for me, democracy is the right to choose.

I can say yes, I can say no, speak my truth or let it go,

I can raise my voice out loud, or stand in silence, calm and proud.

I can rise, or I can fall, I can run, or not move at all, drift along with the flowing stream, or spread my wings and dare to dream.

I may follow, stand with the rest, or choose a path that fits me best— that choice is mine, it’s mine to claim, for freedom gives me right and name.

I can move ahead with steady pace, or pause a moment, take my space, I can close my eyes—just because, and no one else can force them thus.

I can be light, or I can be shade, drink coffee strong or tea well-made, be sincere or proudly stand, find heaven—or a harsher land.

I can read the Bible’s page, or turn to the Quran in faith, climb the Carpathians, wild and free, or Mont Blanc’s highest majesty.

I may live in another land, yet carry this truth where I stand: democracy lives in Ukraine’s name— democracy burns, an endless flame.

P.S and here in Britain I have found a land where freedoms still resound, where justice stands, both firm and fair, and dignity is held with care.

Where voices rise and are not denied, where truth and law walk side by side, where open hearts and helping hands give strength to those from distant lands.

For shelter offered, calm and light, for human worth and equal right— my deepest thanks I now impart to Britain’s people, from my heart.