Hello my lovely readers
A shorter, and slightly sweeter, post than last night for today's entry. Partly because we've been very busy, but mostly because the subject matter was just there, and needs much less explanation. Today is the sixth anniversary of Tata Madiba (Nelson Mandela's) death. I think of it every year, and in fact wrote a Seasonal Sonnets entry about it in 2017. But being back in SA, after so long, makes this year feel extra poignant. Not least because we were living here when he was inaugurated in 1994, and this trip now is involving revisiting so much of that early part of my childhood. So I've written a short musing on personal history and legacy. Hopefully Tata would approve.
5th December 2019
Tonight I'm thinking lots about my history
within the place which forms part of my heritage
and how so much of mem'ry is a mystery
that makes it seem so crucial that we cherish it.
Such cherishing is helped along by figures
to whom we might ascribe significance
due to the impact of the hope they give us
beyond their globally bestowed magnificence.
This kind of human was 'Tata Madiba'
whose story, as a child, filled me with strength.
I try to emulate his kind demeanour
and make sure all my actions are well-meant.
With full awareness of my own white priv'lege,
I hope he'd not consider it sacrilege.
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