Mandela

God's strength.

Mandela

I cannot slip beneath the shroud of death

that you have thrown upon me,

for I have more powerful spirits at work.

I am a rock upon which to build,

despite the relentless chipping of flint

from my face by axes of hate.

I have know dust

and will not return there

until I accept my time.

Until I am sure all my deeds

upon Earth are fulfilled.

Till then I will stand four square

into the winds of destiny,

I will not blink, nor shirk the pain

that must be suffered

for the peoples of this Earth.

I will be a tower beneath which

all may shelter,

knowing love will prevail.

 

29/03/15

Reviews

[~]

John, you definitely have a gift of writing a lifetime of fights and struggles, of ideals and power in just a few verses. I'm happy to read this poem. It's an honorable tribute to man of grand stature.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

My third of fourth about my all time hero and role figure. You are so kind MS; thank you!

[~]

Yes! An Invictus style of poem. I will reread this one.

[Woody]

looking at the state of the world, I wish there were 10 Mandelas spread in the world. who knows, perhaps there would be still hope.
a beautiful tribute to a great man.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

True; thank you Woody!

[Lydia Shutter]

What a great man he was....what wonderful lessons he taught! He believed and proved he did....all humans are created equal and deserve to enjoy freedom. A meaningful tribute, John. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

My greatest inspiration and hero. Thank you Lydi.