Bezila Nathi

Bezila Nathi

 

Today's rising sun

saw you interred in this Earth.

A mere herd boy returned saviour

to his birthplace,

across many named rivers of blood and sweat and sufferance.

Released from an island of incarceration and

reunited with the cord of your life,

long ago rotted in the ground of your ancestors.

They mourn with us

as we watch Xhosa rites performed;

bringing home the bones of an old man,

and restoring your perfect spirit

to invoke izibongo

and unite you with your dead.

Mandela, son of Qunu,

father of liberation,

you are our modern Christ.

 

18/12/13

Author's Note

Reviews

[Leigh]

A fine poem to the greatest loss to humanity in recent times. There were many things that Mandela was and did so well, he will leave a big gap to fill and will be written about for a long long time to come. We have lost one of our greatest sons of all time, he was and is respected by so many from so many different countries, cultures and classes, he was truly great enough to be a world leader and by that I mean the 'leader of the world', he was certainly humble enough. I am still sad at his passing you have written about this well John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank youn Leigh. We must keep him alive!

[Lydia Shutter]

Beautifully written tribute to Nelson Mandela. May he rest in peace. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

To many he will live on and continue to be an inspiration. Thank you Lydi

[poetdoug]

What a wonderful Eulogy. You have blessed us with your creative pen my friend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks Doug

[MOON]

Beautiful tribute to a international treasure long may his wisdom endure.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Let us not let him be forgotten. Thank you Moon

[Susannah Rae]

Oh i just love this. Wonderful metaphors used and connections drawn in this. Gorgeous and simple tribute, thank you for sharing!!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Suzannah

[Mark]

Very well done. He was a modern day Christ. Didn't start that way, but his heart changed and he changed the world.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Mark. Mandela will continue to affect us all, such was the power of his goodness.

[Solilokiss]

What a fine ode to the man who is and was a modern day Christ, a fantastic teacher of souls and captain of his own. I love this!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Glad you enjoyed SK. This is the real me and my story is in my profile.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Amen, simply Amen. well done, good read.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thank yous Thomas

[Leslie Philibert]

This is a fine poem, and ( for me ) the kind of work that shows John at his best, considered and literate.....well done !

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thank yous Leslie. You are kind as always.

[Robbie~xoxo~]

This is a wonderful homage to a man who truly deserved it...
A poignant and deeply moving piece, John...Well penned~xoxo~