Words on the Page

a freelance writing resource.

Tribute

 “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela

Asimbonanga [We have not seen him]

Asimbonanga [we have not seen him]
Asimbonang’ uMandela thina [we have not seen Mandela]
Laph’ekhona [in the place where he is]
Laph’ehleli khona [in the place where he is kept]

Asimbonanga
Asimbonang ‘umfowethu thina [we have not seen our brother]
Laph’ekhona [in the place where he is]
Laph’wafela khona [in the place where he died]
Sithi: Hey, wena [We say: hey, you]
Hey, wena nawe [Hey, you and you]
Siyofika nini la’ siyakhona [when will we arrive at our destination]

Written during Mandela’s incarceration.
Happy Friday, everyone.

3 responses to “Tribute”

  1. Cathy Miller Avatar

    Wow-beautiful-thanks, Lori!

  2. Damaria Senne Avatar

    Beautiful tribute, Lori. He was a great man, but also such a humble one. A lot of people remember the kind human being; the strong leader.

    I try to imagine how my life would have been like if we'd civil war; if he had not advocated for peace. It's sobering.

  3. Lori Avatar

    Damaria, that's a heavy thought. Hard to imagine how different things would be without that man's influence.

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