Adieu Papa Madabe

A patriarch, legend, family man, A moral compass, An arc of proprietary leadership With octopus creeping advancements Inducing pomiferous effects Africa’s epitome of Struggle against racial oppression The Great Madabe : An iconic glistering personality Held the jugular of Erstwhile oppressors spell-bound. According to him : ‘Exhausted all peaceful means’ Spear-headed weapons of warfare To tackle this gamut Rivonia Trials : Black face in White Court, White Court in Black Country, Black Country White Ruled, A sizzling paradox. An illustrious Amicus Curiae Who ought to ensure Right persons do not Travail in Court Travailed but prevailed. In Prison : Remained a dignifying character, Bubbling with unending Vigour and vitality Though sequestered within The prison’s iron-gates The ideals he stood for Could not be suppressed With draconian laws, Separatist illusions cum policies. Prisoner of conscience A.K.A. 46664 Robben Island His heart for his people Obviously exhibited by Willing sacrifice of His freedom for countless numbers. A multifarious personality : A former herdsboy, Won the Almighty God’s Heart In tendering the herd He saw another King David Mindful of His creation Nkosi Dalibonga, Elder Statesman, World Ambassador, Amicus Curiae, Exemplary Leader, Reconciler of his nation, Negotiator of peaceful end to Segregation. Papa Madabe, Indeed had a heart For the people No wonder God Emplaced him as The Primus Black African To preside over his Country. The Last Journey : Home going, From Pretoria, The Military C-130 Hercules Jet Hurtled through the morning skies Landed safely at Mthatha Airport, Eastern Cape Province Where this son of a Chief Spent the happiest years Of his childhood. Last Parade : Colour Party of White and Black faces Previously unheard of A resounding result of the Struggle, Carry Matata Madabe’s remains To the dark coloured hearse Amidst full Presidential Honours… Adieu Great Madabe You were a Great light Now in the far beyond, Good night for your passage Has caused an irreparable Generational chasm for Years to come.