R.I.P Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

In the Land of his birth and destiny
an ordinary man was fighting to be free
from segregation
of the black nation, for humanity.
He was the symbol of justice in white courts
the paradigm of freedom for this he had fought
he would not bend
until the end, was what he taught.

The strength of this cause would see him through
the aspirations of his people was enough, he knew,
to fill his soul
while in the gaol. The time was due.
The father of the nation when at last released,
his people adored him, their self-esteem increased
and he was proud
to hear the crowd sing out aloud.

Here my children is the land of our birth
which was gone for too long,
yet, with courage, faith and song
we have won.
Thus with pride and dignity and worth
we can honour this land
for together we must stand,
no longer banned,
sing with pride and merriment and mirth.

Hate not your enemies, is what he told to all,
for they too were prisoners inside their very soul
and now are free,
like you and me, our common goal.
We’ll cultivate a nation of which we can be proud
the voices of our people will all sing out aloud
and start anew
this is our cue, this is the hour.

Our valleys will echo the voices of all man
our dreams will be carried on the wind across the sand,
for we are free
with dignity, in this our land.
African children, people of all tribes,
we have taken back our country and taken back our lives
so with respect
we shall protect, grow and thrive.

Here my children is the land of our birth
which was gone for too long
yet with courage, faith and song
we have won.
Thus with pride and dignity and worth
we can honour this land
for together we must stand
no longer banned.
Sing with pride and merriment and mirth.

We’ll educate our children, off the land they’ll feed,
we’ll honour our country and never let it bleed,
for it is here
in Africa that we are freed.

Rootweaver © 1998-2013