When Tyrants Fall
Yesterday, 80 years ago, at 3:30 p.m., Adolf Hitler chose cowardice over facing responsibility, taking his own life in the Führerbunker and ending the war he started. His suicide marks a stark reminder that no dictatorship, no matter how powerful it seems, can endure forever. History has shown time and again that those who rule through fear and oppression will ultimately face their reckoning. Whether through external forces or self-inflicted demise, the end of tyranny is inevitable. This is a warning to all who believe authoritarianism and dictatorship can last: its fall is only a matter of time.
In 1945, a single shot was fired,
A final act to end a tyrant’s reign.
The Führer fell, as history conspired
To end a war that caused such endless pain.
Now, in the halls of power, we still see
Those who rule with iron fist and cruel might,
But there’s a truth that none can ever flee:
No tyranny can keep its iron tight.
For even in the darkest moments' reign,
Hope rises still, a flame that will not die.
The chains of oppression, though they may strain,
Can break when courage dares to fight or fly.
So long as men may rise and break the chain,
Freedom will find a way, in loss or gain.
Rolph David
Mon 5th May 2025 09:27
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful and powerful response. Your words cut to the heart of a painful truth — that tyranny is not only a relic of history but a present threat sustained by silence and complicity. I deeply appreciate your willingness to speak plainly and stand firmly in conscience.
Regards,
Rolph
And thank you to Naomi, Stephen, Uilleam, Hugh and Red who took a moment to read, reflect on, or like the poem. Your quiet support matters more than you might think. In times where darkness can feel overwhelming, even a silent nod of recognition is a spark — and sparks, when gathered, can become light.
Take care,
cheerio,
Rolph