I hold my ballot in my shaking hand <br />And say to myself: this is cause and effect. <br />The opportunity is so grand <br />I have spent all my life to expect. <br /> <br />You have lived in a free country, <br />Here you and your ancestors were born; <br />Your civil rights are numerous and sundry; <br />Please do feel pity for the forlorn. <br /> <br />I had exercised my right to vote <br />In my native land’s first ever election: <br />Illiterates did not know what cadres wrote; <br />Bad factions led them to wrong direction. <br /> <br />Wanting self-rule, people grew wiser; <br />The patriots just built a young nation. <br />But the invaders, however, were slyer: <br />Elections were only to shield usurpation. <br /> <br />That is why I came to this world; <br />To become a proud citizen I strived. <br />Liberty in the starred banner unfurled; <br />Human rights by none to be deprived. <br /> <br />I cast my vote for the candidates I trust; <br />I opt for the propositions I approve; <br />No choices imposed by others as a must, <br />No revenge on the dissidents as a move. <br /> <br />It is the result of my struggle in the past <br />To resist despotism and exact democracy. <br />It is the stimulus to advancement here fast <br />To expand regardless of geography. <br /> <br />Though somebody dislikes time wasted, <br />Why not to use the right to go to the polls? <br />This is for me Freedom so long awaited: <br />Let me, the baby, enjoy my favorite dolls.<br /><br />Nhuan LeXuan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-right-to-vote/
