In memory of Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013)
Yes, the
world has grown a little colder,
a
rainbow-coloured spectrum
of light
bulbs shedding a crude light
on the
gated communities of our minds
congregating
as one, in this hour,
this severest
form of reminder –
the great
man is no more,
he is no
longer
present to
guide, yet to be remembered,
like a shaken
leaf of insignificant
proportions
announces the echoes
of the
future winters to come in which I,
the lighter
brother, may also mourn,
the one who
ate in the dining room,
but whose
outstretched hands you took
out of the
closet;
and allowed
to stand beside you
without
fear; rest gently, sir.
Rest
gently, unconquerable
soul,
homeward bound.
