You were the only dry leaf
Known to have remained on the oak tree for very long time
Even the most terrible cyclones and storms
Could not bring you down
We least expected your departure at this time
We least expected that
The wind that couldn't drive the dancing mosquitoes away
Will be able to remove the giant tree
That cast its warm shadow on the continent
Though you were old and weak
The mere fact that we say "he is alive"
Was enough to drive away
The western media and their talking pens and cameras
They peeped through the windows
Hoping to take home bad news
But they retreated when death departed you at the crossroad
They came back shortly and knocked at the door
The frowned and saddened face of the gate man
Was enough for them to announce your departure
Before the native doctor could certified your demise
They are making the news;
They are making monies
This morning, when I googled "mandela"
I had 21,000,000 search results
But they denied you the microphone at the time you needed it most
They denied you their cameras when you needed the coverage
They turned deaf ears to your cry
When you wanted the world to hear
Nonetheless you still led the people to the promise land
But when a single tree faces the storm
It eventually falls
You have fallen on your knees but not dead
Like great writers,
Great leaders are not buried in tombs
They are buried in libraries
We shall visit there and read your legacies
RIP Nelson Mandela.
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