Tata Madiba

Some believe that many names is a sign of stature, of importance. How appropriate Tata that you are called father, well as all those other monikers Father of so many, how did you fill the time? Three short steps, two regular, from one end of day, to another then back again, and again Plenty of time to think, to brew a strong disdain yet tea and mercy are your thirst and hunger Monumental change can come with oppressive legions, masks on, bayonets fixed, marching, toe-in-step, step-in-toe, closing in, or much more slowly, with a well-tempered gait and careful steps, feeling a way to a new life Sharpeville a dusty, bloody turning tide turning emergency of state to state of emergency yet another rational, to push, to oppress, yet another opportunity to protest saying "a change is gonna come", yet to wait on I remember hearing on that cold northern Sunday that you would be released, and drop into sight after so many seasons, I became slightly aware, vague to the happenings of the world, as ascension starts to awaken me The life of president of a country is full, full of courageous opportunity, and pitfalls, but to transform a nation from majority oppression, to an erect healing democracy, is a gift of stature, of moral fortitude, decency, a respect for humanity. Tata, the nation of South Africa, owes much to its first democratically elected black leader The world, owes much to the example of you. © Goode Guy 2013-06-28 http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/names