15th July and Mandela
I
July will forever be "America's birthday"
I try to recall why each month or holiday
Is special, but did forget, for days now
Nelson Mandela had been born 18th July
I did work in his government, but sadly
For me Madiba would not run again
Setting an example beyond the continent
That access to office is not license to reign
II
So from beleaguered South Africans
Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela, mensch,
Loadshedding is daily now, in South Africa
Immigration from poorer African nations,
Disguised often with student, retirement,
And business visas, especially from Nigeria -
Is exposed this week ... As in the USA
We feel overwhelmed, as with inflation
And the shabby state of our democracy ...
You remind us of your faults, of all humans:
We fail to be a savior anywhere, but The One
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