Oh, editor, your words took flight,

Praising a system, shining bright.

Of democratic ways and votes so free,

But did you miss the plight of me?

The articles seemed to sing its praise,

For rules that dim the voter’s haze.

But Faleata’s heart, a bitter ache,

For a right we have lost for goodness’ sake.

We did what’s right, we toed the line,

Registered ourselves, in due design.

Our only sin, our only crime,

Apathy for the victor’s climb.

Our choice was stolen, our voice made meek,

A “dead rubber” seat, a future bleak.

No option left, no hope to hold,

Just a story of rights, unjustly sold.

Is this the system, bright and new?

That brilliant minds could see it through?

This flaw of fate, this empty gain,

A broken promise, a heavy chain.

Like Lepa’s leader, Lotofaga’s star,

These seats pre-won; they travel far,

Beyond the reach of a voter’s hand,

A silent mandate on this land.

Should we not join the districts near?

Faleata 1, 3 or 4, let’s hear!

We are one family, the House of Ata,

Divided now by a cruel data.

Is this so different from the Falelatai plea?

A village condemned, a sad decree.

Does law now legalise this plight?

The silent stripping of our right?

So, we must wait, five years untold?

For a chance to see our voices bold?

To sit and watch, in deep despair,

As others choose what we can’t share.

This is a cry, a bitter song,

From the silenced where we belong.

Our rights are wronged, our district muted

A verdict given, unjustly routed.

We seek our vote, our rightful place,

In the future of this sacred space.

We stand as the majority, against the court’s favour,

Because a new candidate would be Faleata 2’s saviour.

We’ll take to the streets, a quiet stand,

Not with violence, but hand in hand.

To be seen and heard by the new elite,

A government chosen, on August 29th, a bittersweet defeat.

4800 voices silenced by a court’s decree,

A ruling that makes no sense to the people of Faleata 2, you see.

We will not let this appointed man be our voice,

We refuse to sit back; WE DEMAND A CHOICE!

Note: The opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper.