In the valleys of Pakistan
Where the people say “Allah”
And the sun kisses the sand
There is a freedom fighter, Malala

On a Tuesday in October
Her school bus was stopped
A man with a gun at his shoulder
innocence destroyed, the gun popped

Because the Taliban fears
Anything making Islam impure
Like education, opening eyes and ears
Subservience for violence to cure

This they said, she didn’t listen
“We are all born equal”
Education can make our cities glisten
Like a desert jewel for the people

Because these bad men
Who wear a permanent sneer
Can be saved by the pen
After all, knowledge conquers fear

That’s all they are
Scared of progress, change
They don’t look very far
For excuses to shoot what’s strange

Education rights for all
Are all but guaranteed
As long as people like Malala
Keep our souls freed