Forty five years
of unity,
not division.
We are free from colonial rulers.

Forty five years
of freedom,
not captivity.
We are free from colonial rulers.

Forty five years
of justice,
not injustice.
We are free from colonial rulers.

Forty five years
we are marching forward.
Not stagnant,
because it’s our time.

Forty five years
we are flying our flag higher.
Never to be lowered,
because it’s our time.

Forty five years
we are walking in dignity.
Not in informality
because it’s our time.

Forty five years
we are standing in unity.
Never will we be divided,
because it’s our time.

Elizah writes: “Last year the University of Goroka UOG hosted a poem competition in which all students took part. The poem criteria were all about PNG’s Independence. I saw it as an opportunity to showcase what I have. To my surprise, I won the first placing in the competition. Winning the competition is another joy I felt right in my bones. I am hoping this year would have another competition so I can write again.”