Wednesday 7 May 2014

BORN-FREE and free to vote!

(First time experience of the South African National Elections, written through the eyes of an imaginary young girl living in Bekkersdal, Gauteng.  WHEN WRITING THIS ARTICLE, I DEVIATED FROM POETRY AND JUST WROTE FROM THE HEART.)

I could feel the cold slightly wear off, and there was a faint ray of sunshine outside my window.  I smiled as I looked through the half-drawn curtain, then switched on my almost broken radio.  I hurriedly brushed my teeth, wore my favourite boots and threw my heavy, blue jacket over my skirt.  I checked myself in the mirror and quickly tied my braids in a knot.

"Today is a special day," I mused as I sat next to Tata, quietly sipping on my favourite juice.

"Goodbye, everyone!  See you at the voting site!"  I shouted as I rushed outside, braving the brazen cold.

As I went, they came to mind.  The late Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Chris Hani.  I could also remember Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph.  They are among the many who bravely fought for our liberation.  Some have since passed on peacefully, while others were mercilessly killed.  Many others still live today, unfazed though their names are seldom mentioned.  They are all pioneers of change, and they are the reason I'm free today!

The queues are long, yet I can't complain.
I am a born-free, and I am free to vote!  Today is a special day, as I make my mark for the first time.  I have freedom of choice, so I boldly cast my vote.  I proudly kiss my inked thumb on my way out.  There's an atmosphere of hope, unity and peace.  There's a wind of change, and I know that God is here!

© Yvonne Mahlape Maserumule, 2014
(All rights reserved)
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16 comments:

  1. Unknown8 May 2014 at 07:30

    WOW! Beautiful written blog. Keep it up. I have also casted my vote to raise my voice for the 3rd time and hopping this time it will make a big difference

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    1. Unknown8 May 2014 at 09:50

      Thanks for your lovely comment, Brilliant! Much appreciated! Congratulations for casting your vote!

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    2. Unknown9 May 2014 at 09:39

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Joel Savage9 May 2014 at 08:11

    Beautifully written poem, bringing the memories of Apartheid and above all the brave men behind the emancipation. Yes, Apartheid bows to democracy in that lovely rainbow country. Children will grow to hear the echoes of "BORNFREE and Free to Vote" and the elders would narrate the story leading to this wonderful poem.

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    1. Unknown9 May 2014 at 23:13

      Hello, again, Joel. I know you know and love me for my poetry, but when I wrote this article I didn't have poetry in mind. I just wrote from the heart. I am humbled to have met well-established writers as yourself and you have been so supportive of my work. I am thankful for the bond we share and hope you and I will have a lasting and fruitful relationship. Much love, and God bless!

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  3. Unknown9 May 2014 at 09:50

    Hello, Joel! Appreciate your beautiful comment. I am truly humbled! God bless...

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  4. Unknown9 May 2014 at 11:09

    Inspiring blog, Yvonne. I'm a staunch supporter of women's rights, so I will do everything in my power to spread the wonderful work you are doing for your people. Please feel free to use https://www.facebook.com/martamerajverkurlat to share your news. I will do it myself this time. Thank you for your friendship!

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  5. Unknown9 May 2014 at 22:53

    Thanks a lot, mama Marta, for your humbling comment. You are my inspiration! I will definitely connect with you on Facebook and hope that you and I will have a very long and fruitful relationship! God bless!

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  6. Arjun10 May 2014 at 01:00

    Wonderful. well written. All the best friend ...

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  7. Unknown10 May 2014 at 01:05

    Thanks a lot, my friend, for your interest in my blog! It's also great communicating with you on Facebook. You are awesome! ;-)

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  8. Unknown10 May 2014 at 06:35

    When I read this poem, I realized how priceless is freedom. Many of us take freedom for granted and misuse it little realizing how difficult life would be if it was snatched away.

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    1. Unknown10 May 2014 at 06:51

      Thanks, Mike! I deviated from poetry and just decided to write what was in my heart. Thanks for your wonderful comment. True, we always take what we have for granted!

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  9. Diane Stringam Tolley16 May 2014 at 22:04

    Utterly amazing! Born and raised in Canada, I realize the blessing in my life of freedom, only because I read the heart-felt descriptions from wonderful, intelligent people like you! Thank you for sharing this. It makes my world a little bigger.

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  10. Unknown17 May 2014 at 06:34

    Diane: Thank you so much for reading my blog. I am moved by your comment and truly humbled. Stay blessed, Yvonne :-)

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  11. Anonymous29 May 2014 at 11:50

    Beautifully said, Yvonne. I will share your blog on mine and any where else I can.

    Isabel

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    1. Unknown29 May 2014 at 12:46

      Thanks a lot for your kind gesture, Isabel! I look forward to a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with you. Stay blessed! :-)

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