The news came on the wings of a wind Reluctant to carry its burden. Nelson Mandela’s day is done. The news, expected and still unwelcome, Reached us in the United States and suddenly Our world became somber. Our skies were leadened. His day is done. (photo credit 1.1) We see you, South African people, Standing speechless at the slamming Of that final door Through which no traveler returns. Our spirits reach out to you: Bantu, Zulu, Xhosa, Boer. We think of you And your Son of Africa, Your Father, Your One More Wonder of the World. (photo credit 1.2) We send our souls to you As you reflect upon Your David armed with A mere stone facing down The Mighty Goliath. Your man of strength, Gideon, Emerging triumphant Although born into the brutal embrace of Apartheid, Scarred by the savage atmosphere of racism, Unjustly imprisoned In the bloody maws of South African dungeons. (photo credit 1.3) (photo credit 1.4) Would the man survive? Could the man survive? His answer strengthened men and women Around the world.
