Madiba. Poem by Aminu Aliyu

MADIBA

I wasn't there
In the village of Mvezo
And Transkei when gods celebrate Gadle Henry Mphakanyisma.

I wasn't there
When Madiba bow out
Of Nonqaphi Nosekeni's womb with scent of promise
Murmuring the song of emancipation

I wasn't there
When King Ngubengcuka of Thembu people
Strapped the bags and gospel of struggle on the shoulders of Madiba.

I wasn't there
When Madiba, Anton, Tambo, Lembede, Sisulu, and Ashby Mda
Became the panthers' parading the coast of Africa.

I wasn't there
When Madiba shook tigers, lions and kissed their teeth
And when he became the cobra of African forests.

I wasn't there
When Madiba wrestled with apartheid antelopes and elephants.

I wasn't there
When Madiba and his crew
Grappled with the flag of perseverance, justice, tolerance and compassion.

But I read about his heart of a mighty shark
His dedication of a mother
Strength and colour of African leopard.


(C) A. ALI YANTAGWAYE
02: 26pm, Fri 06-12-2013