Amandla!

Amandla!

I  can remember
election day
lines of people
making their way
reptilian lines
meandering by
an end to oppression
the reason why

Jovial faces
laughing sounds
giggling children
playing around
Happy adults
there to have their say
and make their mark
on election day

Beloved Madiba
he was in the queue
to make his mark
just like you
the first time
ever they had their say
it was such good fun
this election day

But lets not forget
what passed before
the years of fighting
blood and gore
a ruby necklace
for a hapless fool
a gift from the masses
a dastardly tool
a box of matches
(free that day)
but they had put it all behind them
it was election day!

They try to remember
what brought them here
they lost too easily
those long dark years
forgive and forget
its over now
the enemy is vanquished
the victor is proud
The future looks good
(but don't speak too  loud)
whispers in the corners
but you can hear them say
we have dreaded
this election day!

Nervous of the future
unashamed of the past
knowing full well
the situation couldn't last
changes born of  blood
incarceration too
bigotted opinion
hidden for the few
no guilty admissions
to lay the past to rest
no offered apologies
to help clean up the mess
no reconciliation
to genuinely appease
but smiles of celebration
from those who had release
forgiveness and love
from a people bleeding dry
and the tears of a nation
finally cease to cry!



The first Democratic elections – South Africa 27th/28th and 29th April 1994

AMANDLA!!