(Short Story)
BY ALEM HAILU G/KRISTOS
An event to commemorate the week the northern command of ENDF showed resilience after betrayed by T-TPLF troops and to reminiscence it soon arrested the nation-wrecking down task by the treasonous troops was being held in the auditorium of a governmental organization.
Public Relation Officers (PRS) were seen running to and from to make the event a hit. Standing by the door some were encouraging employees to get in handing them plastic bottles containing natural spring water.
“Do come in. Feel at ease,” they were uttering.
A traditional coffee ceremony was organized at one corner. A well arrayed white coffee cups, which make a color match with the white cotton-made costume of a chocolate skinned lady and fried popcorns with split stomachs, were laid on a small table having tortoise’s legs.
A vapor from a big charcoal stove bearing a traditional voluminous coffee pot was dragged into the roof exuding a sweet aroma that rings a bell in the minds of people— Ethiopia’s unique gift to the world. Traditional massive and home-made bread was placed for the official cutting.
The auditorium was bedecked with the Ethiopian flag and ENDF’s logos.
The public relation’s directorate director started the event introducing the program layout.
“A speech by our general manager will be made. To make the event lively we shall present to you poems and songs too. To begin with why don’t we invite a young PR who has a knack for poetry to read out his poem related with stabbing in the back”
***
(Must your gratitude be a knife?)
On top of my laborIn the farmyardI often proffer youMilk, cheese, manure and hideTo render grandYour life,Then how comeYou expressYour gratitudeWith a knife?
***
“Join your hands together for this poem metaphorically denouncing ingratitude in general and the satanic act of Terrorist TPLF in particular.”
A deafening applause filled the auditorium.
“Next Our CEO will own the podium,” he pointed towards the first row were a gentleman with three pieces was siting rehearsing a paper.
Heading to the podium, the CEO scoured the auditorium and said “Good morning respectful employees of our organization. I feel honored to present this speech. Without any further ado I will deliver the speech,” he cleared his throat.
Dear employees of our organization…
Astoundingly the valorous Ethiopian Defense Force (ENDF) is a well-disciplined army that proves a development task force while peace reigns and turns an iron fence or fortress when enemies attempt to tamper with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
Beyond Ethiopia’s perimeter, engaged in the peace keeping task in different parts of Africa it did prove a sought-after army as it rose to charged task of a reliable shield to its fellow African siblings.
The stab in the back Terrorist TPLF committed on ENDF’s northern command conniving with historic enemies and their backers is a revolting crime that remains seared in the minds of Ethiopians.
The treason-victimized soldiers deployed for over 20 years on the Ethio-Eritrea border were lending hands to people of Tigray engaged in different development works practically showcasing their oneness with such citizens all along the long period.
By way of fulfilling the wishes of Tigrayans it was collecting the harvest of farmers and fighting off grasshoppers threatening to infest and ravish ripe crops.
Dear employees of our organization…
ENDF’s northern command was also an ally that was extending help to the needy deducting from its modest income. On top of putting its life on the line for Tigrayans and nation’s sake it was portraying a goodwill gesture of donating stationery materials to students and repairing the dilapidated buildings of the feeble and old. Pooling resources and outlaying a sum these soldiers were building schools and health posts in the vicinity on top of buying bonds for the construction of GERD meant to electrify the horn.
In so doing ENDF had demonstrated its deep love to citizens. On the very day it was betrayed by the bogeyman TPLF, ever-prone for something mischievous, it was helping out farmers collect harvest facing the threat of mosquito infestation. Yet the chimera TPLF bit the hand that fed Tigrayans. Tigrayans, it touts, for whose sake it stood.
A year back, out of the blue it attacked such considerate soldiers from their back proving its cowardice putting in the back of its mind the fact that such an army rather deserves gratitude and laudation.
However bearing the crime committed on it, the betrayed army reorganizing and creating confluence with the heroic sons and daughters of Ethiopia who came to its rescue kept the sovereignty of the country going intact. What an astounding gut and frightening indomitableness by Ethiopian soldiers comfortable in their own skins!
Dear employees of our organization…
In connection with the unfolding both friends and foes had witnessed Ethiopia has a dauntless and acid-tested defense force and army that vanquishes enemy troops even when things have taken a turn for the worst.
The harm inflicted on it on the sly notwithstanding, clean from the feeling of vengeance, ENDF had handed over well-tended captives and their leaders’ safe to the government. It was sharing its ration with them. This testifies how the ENDF’s army strictly observes required military discipline up on deployment.
ENDF paying selfless sacrifices is basking under a popular support. Starting from day one it became the subject of the betrayal, citizens are showing it a rearguard support in every possible way and in a consolidated manner. Marching to the front, many nation-loving Ethiopians have joined it by way of reinforcing its might. Their support ranges from donating blood, giving money to extending labor and moral support. This rearguard support has proved unwavering. All these supports pale into insignificance viewed via the prism of the gratitude Ethiopians owe to the army martyring for nation’s sovereignty.
Dear employees of our organization…
Ethiopia is a country that doesn’t stop short of valorous sons and daughters. In every epoch it comes up with heroes that foil aggressions and chase away invades with their tails between their legs.
“Thank you for your time,” the manager bowed out
The CEO returned to his chair attended by a warm applause.
“Is there anyone who knows Ethiopian Defense Force Anthem by heart? Before we open the music I wanted to check things out” the director of the PR office said.
A little kid, a daughter of the coffee preparing lady surged forward to the surprise and delight of many.
The director squatting held the mike for her. The girl began singing
***
The abode of prideful people
Nation, nationalities crop sapling
Emblem of peace
A spectrum of colors Ethiopia,
Stamping your seal with their blood
As per the responsibility
Citizens entrusted us with
To the supremacy of our constitution
Fully armed we have stood in unison. (2)
Forefathers’ patriotic heritage,
Beckon of freedom
Passed down to generation
Is firmly rooted again.
Though trying proves
Ephemeral pain
And if the area is fenced round
By inferno
We shall surely emerge successful
To make enduring history.
Our staunch arm is composed of people
Peace and development are our catch phrase
We are tuned to oneness
Based on shared consent.
We are wildfire
Hard to hold,
Fire that lacerates from afar
And which smolders iron;
Foregrounded by our blood
It goes on commanding respect
From one epoch to another.
Let us die more than death
Let our blood spill over thousand times
Let blessed be Ethiopia’s air and soil
Let her reputation be ever renewed.
***
A thunderous applause shook the auditorium. Many rushed towards the kid with a hair braid to kiss her turn by turn.
Asked how she managed to hammer the poem home the girl said.
“My great grandpa was a patriot. He used to tell me about the prowess of Ethiopian patriots at Adwa. So I adore soldiers who put their country ahead of their lives,” she said.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” the director asked her.
“A solider!” the girl pointed to a federal police lady guarding the organization. All roared up with laughter.
When music about the above anthem was opened everybody began to sing with zeal. The lady police afforded the girl a piggy shoulder.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2022
