The Voice of the Young Shans

BY : Feraya

Please do not ignore us, the ordinary young people of Shan State
We have been through life’s trials and tribulations at a young age
Through no fault of ours, we had to leave our nation
Our loved ones and family left behind or dead

We do not know who to turn to or to depend on
Our mothers and fathers are not with us anymore
We are as good as orphans in a strange land
We are homesick, bereft and lost

We need someone to lead us and guide us
As caring parents do for their children
We have no role model to set an example
We will be the leaders of tomorrow
Please help to show us the way
To show us how to behave
In a civilised and polite society

We feel that we are left out
We feel that we do not count
We feel that all our suffering
Has been in vain

When you do not communicate
We feel that you look down on us
We feel that you do not care what we think
We feel that you do not wish to listen
To what we have to say

Is it because we are not from saopha family
(Hereditary Rights went out in 1959)
Or that we do not have a high education?
Or is it because we have not much money?

Every human being needs to feel useful
Every one of us needs to be included
As dignified citizens of a society
That cares for our welfare and needs

Leaders need to earn the respect of their people
Unelected leaders need to earn our respect
And acceptance within the community
In the roles they take on

When they stand up on a pedestal
Politicians are picked on and scrutinised
By their friends and enemies
The art of being a politician
Is in the marketing of the person
And by selling your ideas to the public
As leaders you must be prepared to accept
Criticism as much as praise
Because only by doing so
Will you become a good leader

So we would like to request that you 
Communicate to us the young people
About the good work that you are doing
About the events that you take part in
About the talks that you gave
We need openness and dialogue
We need to feel part of your plans
We need to feel validated
We all need to be respected
As legitimate members of Shan society.

BY : Feraya