Che Guevara’s Speech

This speech was written for the monologue competition "Bridges Over Time", where it won Honourable Mentions.

Look at all of you. Why do you linger? To observe in comfort? To quietly listen, then merely to return to the comfort of your mundane routines? If that is your sole purpose, you are wasting your time and mine. This is not a place for casual spectators, nay, but for a call to arms! I, Che Guevara, am your reminder: the world does not alter its essence through idle banter, but through decisive action! Were you to deny that, then you have already surrendered.

You, and you (pointing) I mean, glance at your surroundings. Yeah, take a peek! The devouring hunger, the bleak poverty, the flagrant injustice— is not an accident of fate. It is the product of an insidious system, meticulously designed to set the privileged powerful in control of subservient masses. The so-called elites thrive on your gruelling labor, your desperate silence, your hopeless compliance. They expect you to mindlessly accept their dominance. Do not deceive yourselves into thinking change will fall like providence from above. No government, no institution will deliver you justice.

Change is not granted, but seized! And revolution is not a gift, it is a demand. To those who doubt their flagging strength, be assured: the oppressors fear you. We proved it in our dearest Cuba, the valiant courage to say ‘Enough!’ possesses the might of an army. When they cowardly  captured me in diseased Bolivia, they reckoned the contemplation of my death would extinguish la revolution! That once they chained Prometheus, the blaze would cease to spread.

But the glory of revolution is not tied to a mere individual! It is tied to ideas the flames of which can never be extinguished. They endure, in those who refuses to accept the world as it is. So I dare to inquire: Will you stand by and expect the world to alter its own image? Or will you rise to meet the magnificent challenge? The revolution is not mine but yours, as an intrinsic possession of those who refuse to simply endure on their knees any longer. The time is ripe to take decisive action. Do not procrastinate. Do not falter. Act. Rage! Usurp! Hasta la victoria siempre—until victory, always!

Szilágyi Ákos XI. R