Nelson Mandela

We have never met, but I first heard about you, when I was young. Good, bad I’m not sure. Locked away for years, Hidden. My friends never said a word, We were just children, fed, clothed; Maybe no one had told them about your land Or, they did not comprehend. I heard songs, Saw protests and placards. I did not fully understand, But I do remember; The anger, the despair. South Africa House An iconic place. Outside, everyone gathered to “Cry Freedom”. On my 25th Birthday You were headline news, memorable; Free. We talked about you at home. Still no word from my friends back then Did they know how you had suffered, What you stood for. I don’t see them now, but I still have the paper from the day you were released. Twenty years on, I’m standing on the step Where you once stood. Walking, Where you had trodden. I cannot believe I am here. The iconic place. Momentarily, I close my eyes Pray. But you don’t appear and, anyway, You do not know who I am. Or, maybe you do. Not me, but all those like me Who want freedom and change; Admire your dignity and calm And now we wait, knowing Although you will soon be gone You will leave us all with hope. We can work together. I sit Talk about you with my children, My friends. We never met, but We wait.