WHEN MANDELA WAS FREED!

(Tribute to Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and to a free South Africa, written through the eyes of an eight year old)

When Tata Mandela was freed
God smiled, that I know!
The sun was shining bright
No speck of cloud in sight!

I was then only eight
An innocent, little lad
Yet Tata was so great
My dad had told me all!

It was a special day
Something different, something new!
There was a sound of cheering,
hooting and that of drums.
South Africa came alive
Mandela free at last!

Comrades chanting slogans
"Viva, Mandela, Viva!"
Chaos all around
My hero free at last!

I saw his smiling face
As I stood glued to the screen
No more anger, no more hate,
South Africa, do unite!

Quietly I said a prayer
Thanking Him for my friend
I then looked in his eyes,
"Wish I could touch his hand!"

© Yvonne Mahlape Maserumule, 2014
(All rights reserved)

TRIBUTE TO ALL PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN ARE BATTLING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

STILL MY CHILD
(Discovered that my tribute shares the same title as a song by Mary Mary)

I can feel the cool breeze;
wind blowing through the door.
Tears sting my eyes
as my weary heart recalls.

You were barely two,
still learning how to speak.
"Mama... Papa..."
the only words you could say!

I would reach to you,
holding you ever close.
I would feel your tender heart,
the warmth of your wholesome breath.

Gave you all you needed
My love, care, concern
You were always content
Though daddy was not there

You taught me how to love
and how to care with all my being.
Every moment spent with you,
teaching you one, two, three!

At age five
you and I were the best of friends.
We would play hide and seek,
word games, or Simon says.
"I love you, Mama!"
You would say, spent - ever tired.
"Goodnight, angel.  Mommy loves you too!"

Now you are all grown
and all innocence is lost.
A tragic life of pain, insecurity
and no self-love.
Addicted to substance,
no concern for self, no care.
You are still my child,
and you are always in my heart!

© Yvonne Mahlape Maserumule, 2014
(All rights reserved)