Day on Nelson Mandela Died

The day on which Nelson Mandela died

Blowing wind gently sang “anti-apartheid”

World of cordial bonding was his treasured vision

Stood up furiously for his squelched countrymen

“He a terrorism propagator”, colonial rulers claimed

For over quarter century, detained him in island prison

In isolation he dreamt of saving the deprived Africans

Unwillingly released as he gained worldwide fame

“Race none, creed none, but unity” was his slogan

Casting ballots felt strange to natives never voted

Gandhian nonviolence was the theme of his game

As calm he was, was man of dogged resolve

Society once segregated peaceably made way to fairness

Citizens of shade with joy assumed social conscience

Iconic life ended at ninety-five, on December 5, 2013

His long stand handed equal voice to every citizen

Madiba, as he was dearly known to his followers

Followed his devout script of peace in the homeland

Blacks and whites rejoiced his life chanting together

“Our dear darling leader like no other ever before”

Raj N Gaonkar, New Haven

December 5, 2013