Nelson Mandela

 

Dawn reached us at the end of the longest dark night

Dressed in dignity embracing both black and white

You were the beacon of hope that lit the night sky

Reconciliation justice and freedom won't die

 

Go now and find your peace it is your time to rest

In God's hands you were the chosen you were the best

Forgiveness the heart that graces another's hate

Once we saw a bloodbath the hour was too late

 

Apartheid made us enemies shackled us all

You said mercy not retribution was the call

Forged a nation out of the bloody bitter seeds

Your courage was not your words but all your just deeds

 

Tata the rainbow nation is forever proud

That you were the real Prince standing out in the crowd

Shadow us now so we don't forget our soul

Your spirit says that Justice demands we be bold

 

In this Land I know there won't be another you

You are held in esteem and that is a world view

 

Author's Note

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
― Nelson Mandela

Reviews

[Devanshu Rajput]

Nelson Mandela was a one of the greatest person, who ever walked on earth. He not only was a messiah of victims of Apartheid, but he also a precedent for others. He is rightly called the "Gandhi Of Africa".

In India, we have great reverence for Nelson Mandela. He was bestowed with, the highest civilian award of India, The Bharat Ratna.

Your poem is a great tribute to Nelson Mandela. Your words, indeed have the potential, to accomplish the task, that you want.

[MOON]

Thanks so much will visit your page soon, take care.

[Frieda P]

Exquisitely written, what a life story. Your wonderful homage has done him justice, such a great loss, an amazing man and then some.

[MOON]

Thanks Frieda , appreciate your time. Go well.

[Briana O'Connor]

This was truly beautiful! Such a brilliant expression of such a brilliant man. There was palpable emotion and vivid expression of personality, time, hope and prevailing peace. Very well expressed! Thank you for sharing.

[MOON]

Thank you , most appreciated. Take care!

[An owl on the moon]

What a brilliant, inspiring man of hope and vision... one that will leave a legacy forever... May we take your beautiful words to heart and continue to create a world of hope, and justice, and peace.

[MOON]

Thank you Craig, indeed hope justice and peace so simple and yet....take care , all the best!

[captain]

ahh, a very nice tribute to a peace loving man, with wings of freedom in his hands. Great tribute moon.

[MOON]

Thanks Captain for stopping by always appreciated.

[Vidya Bacchus]

A truly great man was Nelson Mandela and you have given him a fitting tribute.Well done:P

[MOON]

Indeed, thank you for the review.

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are welcome:)

[zainul]

Each word is a beautiful butterfly
Each line is a string of flowers
Each stanza is a garden of heaven
Moon has created a monument for the memory lane.

[MOON]

Thanks Zainul no words can do justice to his deeds. Take care!

[zainul]

Yes,I agree,dear poet.
I congratulate you for writing the epic piece that illustrates Mandela's colorful life and deeds in a nutshell.
Take care!
Zainul

[...]

A gorgeous tribute, Moon. Strong hearts echo hope and healing :)

[MOON]

Thanks Lynn , a great man. Take care

[Ruth]

Beautiful dedication...
A person that shall be remembered, by many, that is for sure :)
x

[MOON]

Thank you Poppy, will stop by soon. One of a kind , we were blessed with a great man.

[Ruth]

Most welcome hon x

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Wonderful tribute to one of the greatest men in the world. The word choice in this piece is excellent, an evidence that every line is painstakingly done.
Well-penned!

[MOON]

Thanks Dhaye for your kindness . Go well.