23:59 Thursday, December 5th, 2013, Adullam ….. Mandela has gone home. Back to the source. Apparently, his life has run its course. Was showing symptoms of advancing age, Some caused by his lost years, locked in a cage. Retained a timeless stubbornness through out. Right up to his last moment. Here, I note How he was flexible, a listener. His patience learned when was a prisoner. Devotion to the cause would cast a vote. His shoulders to the wall. Stood tall, no doubt. Contributed to history’s bright page. His wisdom would approach an ancient sage. But he has taken leave, back to the source. Let’s celebrate the man who held his course ….. Roger Houston

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I Envy You, South Africa!

I envy you,
South Africa!
Your child became a father
-Brave, wise and kind-
Whose first message,
After he came among the people
From behind prison bars,
Was “I am not a prophet
And everybody is the master
Of her or his destiny.”

Alas!
A man with a turban
Became my master
Who called himself the deputy of God
And sent thousands of Iran’s children
To firing squads.

Today
You bury Madiba
In his birthplace
And I say farewell to him
In exile.

December 5, 2013
Majid Naficy

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“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”

– Nelson Mandela

Above: Street poster by political/satirical artist Robbie Conal.  Photo: CJ Gronner