A Poem in Tribute to Ukraine’s Courage After a Thousand Days of War
Indomitable
In the heartlands of Ukraine, where sunflowers bloom
Joy has given way to a fearful gloom
A thousand days of torment, sorrow and pain
As young men in full flower of youth lie fallen, slain
And mourning mothers at gravesides wail their melancholy refrain.
The streets of Ukrainian cities are drenched with sorrowful tears
As the latest funeral convoy confirms the worst fears:
Yet another brother-in-arms cut down in his pride
Waves of grief upon grief, inexorable as the relentless tide
In grief-stricken hearts pain will forever reside.
Small children huddled in bathtubs, anxious parents full of care
As steel-winged Russian terror slices through the midnight air
The menace of death advancing ominously from the East
Cruel hordes march westwards, as if possessed by a Beast,
They kill and destroy: on Ukraine hell’s infernal fury is unleashed.
Yet through all the thousand days of Russian terror, Ukraine’s spirit remains
Indomitable, unbroken, in spite of the aggressor’s gains
“Ukraine” has become shorthand for dignity and freedom ablaze
As brave Ukrainians fight for justice in these most turbulent days
Unyielding they stand resolute: they deserve our utmost praise.
Across boundaries of distant nations, our hearts beat as one
We stand with you, people of Ukraine, till the battle is won
Your struggle is our struggle, your fight is our fight
Together we trust God to turn wrongs to right
We long for peace and victory, as the nightwatchman yearns for the light.
So, our Ukrainian friends, we will continue to honour your plight
We pray for peace with dignity, we place our hope in the Light
May the next thousand days bring you solace and grace
And as you resist evil, and as you run the good race
May God’s love, hope and healing in your midst find their true place.
Prof. Dr. Joshua T. Searle is Professor of Mission Studies and Intercultural Theology at the
Theologische Hochschule Elstal, Germany and an ordained Pastor in the German Baptist
Union. He is also a founding trustee of the UK-based charity, Dnipro Hope Mission.
