You made your mark on the shores of time, <br />You left footprints for others to follow, <br />Those who'd heed the lessons, you would leave behind, <br />Are those who would mould our tomorrow, <br />You never shirked the task, you were bold as brass, <br />Not a single soul could command you, <br />Yes you'd leave at last, a legacy to pass, <br />For all mankind, the tasks of tomorrow. <br /> <br />You knew the problems; you fought the system, <br />You bowed to no one before you, <br />Robben Island could hold you; with spite they'd curse you, <br />Torture they thought would break you, <br />But you proved them wrong; you were way to strong, <br />You stood as a man on a mission, <br />Defiance was your tool; you were nobody's fool, <br />Freedom was your only vision. <br /> <br />Presidents and paupers, princes and patriots, <br />They all came out in your honor, <br />Paid tribute to your valor, the fact you could conquer, <br />Yet remain such a humble fellow, <br />A legacy for all time, this you'd leave behind, <br />For all mankind to learn and to follow, <br />Long's gone the time for sorrow, we'd build the better tomorrow, <br />You'd leave for this world, we all know. <br /> <br />Madiba, we sing our praises to you, <br />You stood ever so strong and true, <br />We now will take our cue from you, <br />From you our brother, <br />We know what we'll have to do. <br /> <br />September 10 2014@<br /><br />stephen ifill<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mandela-s-dream/
