It is fair to say that I do not usually explain my poetry. I like to sit and wonder what the reader makes of my words which leave my mind, my pen (for pen, read computer)
meaning something to me but will, almost certainly mean something different – and why not? – to you, the reader.
I am happy with this as a situation: we can all be right, perhaps.
But this piece is posted here as a tribute to Nelson Mandela and was written on the Victoria and Alfred Docks, Capetown after a visit to Robben Island, where I learned such a lot about the history I have
lived through. It reminded me that opinions can change with knowledge; that the best people do not seek retribution.
It was intended as a thoughtful piece: I had a great deal to think over, not least the glorious sense of humour of the guide (a former in-mate). It was not written solely about Mandela, nor, indeed for public consumption.
The Very Opposite
Delightful play of
Evening light ripples
On Africa harbour water;
Reflections of
Freedom’s forgiving tides
Turning over:
Simultaneously
Bright and dark:
Determined to avoid bitter
Silence; to exact the very
Opposite of Vengeance.
Related articles
- Former Robben Island Inmate Recalls Mandela’s Discipline, Courage (npr.org)
- Best Life Lesson From Nelson Mandela (retiredowhat.com)
- Nelson Mandela: a tour of Robben Island (telegraph.co.uk)
- Mandela death: How a prisoner became a legend (bbc.co.uk)
- Blog: The prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years (ndtv.com)
- 5 Things Nelson Mandela Taught Me (davidscholtz.com)
- Poetry Corner: My Promise to Mandela (isiomastylereport.com)
- Madiba lives on (kojoantwi.wordpress.com)
- ‘I have walked that long walk to freedom’ – Rest in peace Nelson Mandela (everyafricanwoman.com)
- [RIP MANDELA] Nelson Mandela’s Quotes….. (9jaamebor.wordpress.com)
- A man of giant moral dimensions (iol.co.za)
