The Sunday Mail
Emilda T. Chatukuta
U6 Monte Cassino Girls’ High School
The fruit has fallen, at least seeds were left scattered.
A forest’s life has been cut down, shattered
Tree stumps have been left battered
By the pain that watered them
Day and night.
The lion has been speared
Cries from the cubs can be heard
At least the cubs were not left dead.
The big book has been burnt!
Panic not,
Because
A long time ago,
Away in a tent,
A soul had lain,
Copying its contents down.
So the book is going to rise from its ashes even though
They thought it had died.
The lyrics have been forgotten.
But we hope that someone
In some place out there
Remembers the tune and hums it to those he bore.
A true leader has gone on a never-ending journey
At least he left followers.
The legend has died
Cry not for he lives on!
In our hearts and minds,
His words are still loud and clear,
Like a tune of a song,
“No one is born hating another person
because of the colour of his skin
or his background or his religion.”
The leader’s words of wisdom,
Hang onto our hearts
Like the blackjack sticks on clothing.
He followed faithfully like a shadow
His gospel of tolerance, forgiveness and peace.
Leading all Africans to unite in one belief that,
Our differences can bring us closer.
In paying tribute to him,
Let us gather around holding hands,
Hearts beating as one,
Promising that we’ll work together
For the betterment of the world.
Mandela has entered the Hall of Fame
Be inspired to follow his footsteps.
Be proud to be Africans!
All Africans are made bold
by your tender, faith-filled words Tata.
You left a legacy which we will work extra hard to uphold.
Madiba,
The words you spoke are engraved in our hearts.
He lives on,
He lives in you…
Heaven hosts embrace his presence in high glorious places,
Heavenly King will adorn him with shiny robes of glory,
For he has run a good race and won,
He has passed on the baton to us the younger generations
And set a great example to the nations.
We salute you, Tata!
Students, send your articles, pictures, poetry, art . . . to Charles Mushinga at [email protected] or [email protected] or follow Charles Mushinga on Facebook or @charlesmushinga on Twitter. You can also post articles to The Sunday Mail Bridge, PO Box 396, Harare, or call 0772936678.
