Tribute to Madiba

Your legacy lives on beyond your death You were constant in prison and palaces Your character was beyond fear or favour You tempered justice with abundant mercy You extended your hand of forgiveness You turned the other cheek in impossible times You taught us that reconciliation is possible You saw a future beyond the present crisis You cast off any illusion of being a hero-god You taught us that freedom comes at a cost You reminded us that to lead is to serve You gave our nation and the world special gifts You gave us gifts of love, unity, faith and hope Your legacy lives on as a bright light in our hearts

Stanley Arumugam 5th December 2013Johannesburg, South Africa