A charismatic heavyweight who fought against the state,
exposing deep corruption mired in scandal, greed and hate.
Against his psychopathic foe he waged a bitter war
by urging mass dissent against repression's brutal law.
But, when his threat became too rife, the world would be in shock,
for killers nearly took his life with deadly Novichok.
Surviving, thanks to German care, but rather than abstain,
he ventured back on Russian soil to fight his cause again.
He guessed the risk but wouldn't sway from going, come what may;
and true to Putin's evil ways, was captured straightaway.
His cross to bear was Stalinesque, injustice to the core;
and prison was his penalty, more torture still in store.
Despite it all, courageously, he kept his voice alive;
mid monstrous acts to quell his truth, he battled fate with drive.
He knew he'd never be released 'til Putin's reign was gone;
confined within his solitude, his fortitude fought on.
For shackles wouldn't tame this soul, his fearlessness was key.
He told his people, "Follow me, and you too will be free."
Refusing to be broken down, he'd forcefully insist:
"Fear not for me, for I have will; it's you who must resist."
And now in death, a martyr, with a message ever clear
to stand against elitist rule that stultifies with fear.
When liberty must rule supreme, let nothing then assuage -
"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage."
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