Viva - Father of a Rainbow Nation

VIVA –  FATHER OF A RAINBOW NATION

Nelson Mandela, what a man,
What an icon, what a wise politician,
Even though he was in prison for
A 27 year span,
Held no grudges, or hate, just wanted
No segregation, he went on a mission,
To make sure that as a father of his nation,
He would achieve just that!
Free at last, locked away for so	
Many years of his life
He walked amongst a sea of cheering,
People, next to Winnie his wife!
He was forgiving, 
Despite been jailed,
For all those years.
Mandela’s beloved South Africa had never
Known democracy and had miserably failed,
He went forward with an intentional stride,
Charismatic and determined,
He was esteemed for his pride!
The Mandela presidency was known
As an era,
Loved by his people, together they grew
Dearer and nearer.
He was a humanitarian, got the Nobel Prize for
His peaceful transition, FW De Klerk also got
The Nobel Prize.
They stood side by side,
Two dynamic politicians who had changed 
South Africa’s political tide!
President Mandela’s inauguration
In May 1994 was televised
Around the world,
It was a heartfelt, emotional ceremony, 
Where many nation’s
Flags were unfurled.
Nelson Mandela had a remarkable wit
And sense of humour,
This is quite true, 
Not just a rumour.
He had an acute awareness and brought
His cherished country to realize their 
Independence, a passion he always sought!
But sadly although an icon,
He was like us all, only human, 
And so our hero died
On the 5th December 2013,
And the world cried!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

 Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 3:44 AM
Wow, what an awesome tribute to an Iconic man who needed more years to run as President of our Country! Kim
Proxenos Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 5:29 AM
He was an awesome man Kim. It was his time ! No exception for Icons! xoxo Jennifer
Krutsinger Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 1:03 AM
This tribute is fabulously thought out, heart-felt, and revers an excellent role model for the world, a man with integrity who knew how to forgive.
Proxenos Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 5:25 AM
Hi Caren, He must have had a heart of gold to forgive the people responsible for wasting 27 years of his life. He will, I am certain always remain a role model. Have a lovely day, xoxo Jennifer
Cunningham Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 4:53 PM
Lovely tribute verse Jennifer. Tom.
Proxenos Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 2:56 AM
Thank-you Tom, I always had great respect for Nelson Mandela - he prevented with his gentle yet firm manner, a probable blood bath in South Africa. Kind regards. Jennifer
Leffanta Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 4:48 PM
I am kin to Daniel Malan, who never saw the colours in a rainbow; like Trump, everything was either black or white, so viva for 5-year memorial! Aloha! Rico
Proxenos Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 3:48 AM
Hi Rico, Is it you who are kin to Daniel Malan or a member of your family - you must therefore have a blood line that can be traced back to South Africa? Mandela was the rainbow to many who wanted peace, both black and white, he was totally instrumental for this to happen. Yasou, Jennifer.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace