After the Rainbow: South Africa

Golden and graceful, you were not easy to oppress, 

But yet stumbled under the arrogant pressure of wickedness,

Lost your wisdom to live equally and in harmony,

Alas, your people accepted their fate, but only temporarily. 

 

The hope of a better tomorrow eventually won,

Inspiring millions to follow your most beloved son,

While the whole world watched on as his witness,

Armed only with a powerful promise of forgiveness. 

 

Our life as the rainbow nation floated in the air,

Only later to give way to disillusionment and despair,

A rainbow of people may never remain,

Overwhelmed by the fire of greed in the human vain.  

 

Let these flowers unlock their powers, for all to learn, 

Allowing the sun to light up the shadows, and finally overturn, 

The darkness and unfairness of the past, 

Empowering the rain to seed a fresh start, after the blast. 

 

- Mamakan, a poem inspired by a journey to South Africa in February/March 2018.