When we commemorate, we remember who they were to us We remember them as our parents We remember them as our siblings We remember them as our friends We remember them as our family members We remember them as good neighbours. We remember how they were kind people We remember how they were noble people We remember how they were tender-hearted We remember how they took good care of us. We remember how we used to share our meals We remember how we used to play football together We remember how they lit our cooking fire when we needed them to We remember how we were stockmen together We remember how we used to fetch water together We remember how we used to share all that we had ungrudgingly We remember how we used to pray together. We remember mingling with them We remember laughing with them We remember singing with them We remember dancing with them. When we commemorate, we also remember how they were killed We remember how they were slaughtered We remember how they were slain We remember how they were burnt alive We remember how they were hanged to death We remember how they were thrown into rivers alive. We remember how they were killed and thrown into pits We remember how they were killed and thrown into latrines We remember how they butchered them with machetes We remember how they were killed with (wooden) spikes We remember how their heads were smashed on walls We remember how they were starved to death. We remember how they were buried alive We remember how they were shot dead We remember how they were stoned to death We remember how they were killed with clubs We remember how they were killed after raping them. We remember that killers killed them and drunk their blood We remember that killers killed them and ate their flesh We remember that killers killed them and ate their hearts We remember that killers tortured them to death We remember that killers scorned them before killing them. When we commemorate, we reflect on their contribution to the country We remember that they were hardworking farmers and had good harvests We remember that they were teachers, educating Rwandans We remember that they were medical professionals taking care of patients We remember that they were business people contributing to Rwanda's development We remember that they were veterinary doctors looking after our livestock We remember that they were priests and pastors who led our way to God. We remember that they were good politicians We remember that they were good sports people whose goals we celebrated across the country We remember that their songs soothed our hearts We remember that they were soldiers and policemen who protected their country We remember that they were good engineers and architects We remember that they were impartial judges We remember that they were unbiased journalists. When we commemorate, we take heed of their values Their incomparable generosity Their exceptional integrity Their consistent discipline Their unwavering strength Their committed love. When we commemorate, we long for what they could have been We long for who they could have been to us We long for what they would be doing today We long for what they would be to Rwanda We long for the joy they would have, living in this Rwanda. When we commemorate, we want you to reflect Think about the child who was killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, today, they would have turned 29 years old! They would have completed their university studies. Today; They would be treating Rwandans. They would be educating Rwandans They would be impartial judges They would be professional and unbiased journalists They would be exemplary farmers They would be skilled engineers They would be so many things. When we commemorate, we contemplate on the future Of each man, each woman, each child, Of their dreams, their destinies, their descendants Of our 1,074,017 people who perished in the abyss of hate. When we commemorate, we note that The Genocide against the Tutsi killed many and destroyed a lot The Genocide against the Tutsi broke our hearts The Genocide against the Tutsi destroyed Rwanda’s social fabric The Genocide against the Tutsi killed humanity The Genocide against the Tutsi defied the whole world. -- The writer is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
