The Rock of Resilience By: Walid Alzoukani

 The Rock of Resilience

By: Walid Alzoukani

 

There, where the "frost"

covers the peaks of "Pindus,"

the Greek soldier stood,

resisting despair.

He had nothing but

faith in the homeland, and the love of freedom

That courage is not

an old story,

but the pulse of every heart

that rejects oppression and darkness.

***

Oh, you heroes,

oh, the secret of resilience,

you vowed to the soul that

it will never know surrender.

For true courage is

to remain honorable,

and under the sky of the homeland

to remain great.

***

OXI! Oh, the celebration of dignity

and defiance,

oh, the cry of truth that

rang out in the face of the invaders,

and opened the doors of eternity

for the free people.

Ancient Athens boasts

on this morning of yours,

with the march of its sons,

raising the flags with all pride.

In "Thessaloniki"

the cheering rises,

telling the story of

the "No" that history recorded.

To the one who said it in the face

of the darkness, resisting,

he did not fear tyranny, nor

did he accept disgrace.

The Greek spirit,

is lofty like the "Acropolis."

***

Greece, the cradle of philosophy and wisdom,

the source of light, and the symbol

of freedom.

On your national day,

hearts cheer your name,

a salute of glory to you,

oh, land of courage and struggle.