She vowed she'd never let the bastard see this couple cry
and she would squarely blame him were her husband then to die;
and now her message to the world - defeat is not a choice -
we need to galvanise our strength, united with one voice.
She married him at twenty four, devoted to his cause,
opposing Putin's Stalin stance and winning wide applause.
Though mostly in the shadows, her support inspired with charm,
a thorn in the dictator's side, integrity spelt harm.
So poisoned acts were Putin's call, her husband had to go
and deadly agent, Novichok, was aimed to let them know
but perseverance proved once more her wisdom as a wife
by moving him to Germany, she doubtless saved his life.
Determined in her loyalty, she kept the flame alight;
while he endured three years in hell, she carried on their fight.
Protesting that he be released, her courage raged and soared
and, unafraid,* she battled 'gainst a regime she abhorred.
And all the while, she knew first-hand the torture he defied,
though split apart, she gave him hope that she was at his side.
And when the dreaded news was out that he had passed away,
she held back tears and stunned with speech of fearlessness that day.
Though fate dictates, heroic words spell urgency within,
as Russian votes next month will see corruption rigged to win.
And, on her path so paved in pain for all the world to see,
this Lady's* fist is ever strong to set her homeland free.
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