(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)
Yvonne, you're such a empowering and creative writer. Thank you for sharing a bit of 'you' with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, my friend! Blessings!
DeleteWonderful to read this tribute from a young child's point of view and really get a sense of that truly awesome day.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Han. I'm also learning a lot from great creatives such as yourself. You're a true inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, very fresh.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina! I am encouraged! God bless!
DeleteBeautifully written, mixed emotional and inspirational poem, which reveals a history of domination and freedom of a great man who ever lived. "My dad had told me all" but being part of the generation to see Mandela before answering God's call to rest peacefully, makes this poem special.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joel! Humbled by your comment...
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring and so well written!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mama Ann! God bless!
ReplyDeleteI am feeling inspired after reading this. Great writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Tata Tom! I am humbled...
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mama Wynn! Love and blessings!
ReplyDeleteLiked your poems, I found them very sweet and meaningful, touching!! well done
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bethany! Blessed by your comment!
ReplyDeleteA vibrant, beautiful poem! Mandela did seem to have let go of all his anger and hatred, a truly remarkable thing considering how many years he had lost away from his wife and children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Catharina. Tata Mandela taught us the power of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. He was an ambassador of peace!
DeleteYvonne’s poem is truly an undertaking into her creativity and self-expression. I found comfort in reading this refreshing and heartening poem. It revealed Yvonne’s strength and ability to understand the situation at an early age with the help of her father. This is an inspiring poem suitable for anyone. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comment, Andrea! God bless! And thanks for supporting me in my writing career!
DeleteThe narrator in the poem is fictional, yet the content of my tribute represents my experience of that memorable day!
ReplyDeleteI love your poetry keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bernard! I'm encouraged!
DeleteI like your poetry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! God bless!
DeleteVery nicely said :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andy! God bless... :-)
ReplyDeleteVery good, I really liked it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, my darling Lisa... God bless!
DeleteYour Poetries are Really Amazing...!!! Congrats !! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so MUCH, Omkar! Encouraged by your comment!
ReplyDelete