Today we celebrate with Nelson Mandela as if we knew him personally. We may feel an affinity to him because of the fact that his leadership is profound and historic and he still thrills us in an extraordinary way. It is inspiring to celebrate his 92nd birthday. We salute a living legend.
The beatific smile
In exuberant silk screen communiqués
He charms, ingratiates and neutralizes
The Toyi-toyi – emblem of struggle
Iconography understood
Symbols, substance impress
A want to understand
He learns to understand
Freedom was a promise
‘Life is never either or’
this statement personifies
In a infinitely nuance world
Behind the scenes -a problem has many causes
Once headstrong, emotions influence
Now he moves agile –
Balance and discipline
He states ‘quitting is leading’
knowing which battles to choose
Selected … Freedom
Politics his lifework
The happy warrior smiles –
A nearly completed masterpiece
The message.
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Poem Written by Brenda L. McCartney
