As inspired by…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few days of the past week, I have been working on a foreword for a collaborative anthology honoring Rolihlahla Mandela – Nelson Mandela, or Madiba, as he has been called affectionately by many people. Unfortunately, I had missed out on the chance to be one of the contributing poets to this book that is very dear to me. For, what I always focused on has been the humanist efforts of this “last great liberator of the 20th century (US President Barack Obama).” You have known my struggles along the way to accept the countless violations of the members of humanity across the globe as one of life’s most brutal realities. You also know a few of my scattered attempts to write against or about them or on account of them. Today is not different. Here I am, with your most appreciated visit, aiming to do exactly that: drafting a poem inspired by Madiba’s actions throughout his life. Should you desire to lend me feedback, I would greatly appreciate your kind act. It is a draft…so please, allow your comments to be as harsh as you would like them to be…

As always, I very much look forward to your next visit and wish that the rest of your Sunday as well as your new week will meet all your expectations.

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a mere twelve-year-old

when most of our youngsters

opt to bond with their electronics

for the sake of higher capacity, a newer model

amid extensive comfort and ease

only and always themselves to please

 

with no parental guidance

in a forgotten earthly place

he knew there was more to chase

how life at large needed his grace

 

against all odds…as we cluelessly say

 

he trekked through ordeals  infinitely rare

they must have appeared as could he no longer bear

he thought

fought in thought

in tireless patience

endeared his homeland for worldwide acceptance

justice soon followed for the separated

alienatists’ treasured thrones colors faded

 

“We can’t afford to be killing one another.”

 

it is likely Africa was his referent

the call for peace though spans far beyond

his soul after all wasn’t known as indifferent

he was aware of nations forever ghastly pawned

 

if killing one another is no option

then…

 

if i don’t she he doesn’t

lest they do or we

who in defense of justice for humanity will ever be

 

© hülya n yılmaz (June 7, 2014)