World Poetry Day: Goke Williams Eulogies Mandela With a Poem
Comrade Goke Williams, a young African author, has sung the praises of late Nelson Mandela with the poem titled: The Man: Nelson Mandela, to celebrate the World Poetry Day for 2022. The epic poem, which comprises six stanzas with thirty lines, examines the life and death of the first democratically elected president of South Africa. The poem is rich in literary devices blended with brilliant rhyme schemes. It captures the heroic deeds of the African son and the internationally recognised figure, who relentlessly in the face of stiff opposition, fought the apartheid government in South Africa to a standstill.
Earlier, the poet has posted on his Facebook page named Comrade Goke Williams, saying he had resolved to be celebrating heroic personalitie(s) who have contributed immensely to humanity, especially on the World Poetry Day annually. He further opioned that the move was devoid of religion, colour and race. He concluded: ” I started last year with Barack Obama. Watch out for this year 2022.”
This versatile writer hails from Akure, the Ondo State capital, born into the family of Fagorola. Goke was an aspirant of the House of Representatives in Akure North/South Federal Constituency, one of the newly elected executive of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Ondo State Chapter and a national exofficio member of the prestigious Oyemekun Grammar School Akure Alumni Association. His works include a book: Bible Books Proper Pronunciation, endorsed by the President of the Bible Society of Nigeria and Ondo State Ministry of Education, a motivational CD: You Are the World Greatest etc.
The World Poetry Day is celebrated annually on the 21st of March.
*The Man: Nelson Mandela
First black president of South Africa
Human rights lawyer, political prisoner, peace maker and world changer
Nelson: charged with treason
And for twenty seven years in prison
Still pursued and fullfiled a four–decade ambition abandoned
- Really, dogged, and from the childhood; he started
Vigil kept for days for you to recover
Yes, to live forever
If all wishes were realities, people will decree you live forever
- Always your memories live in Africa, our Noble Peace Prize winner
Sentenced to life imprisonment
Yet became a president
Hope restored, yes!
Fought for equity, dignity and liberty against poverty for humanity
Long Walk to Freedom–the indicator of sacrifice before success
- And that nothing good comes easy
Not just a nationalist and philanthropist, but an activist who fought segregation
Timely went he ahead for negotiation
That birthed transition and transformation
- Changed the world with the power of education–this is to us–motivation
Alone without home
Fighting for freedom
With fear, you fought fear
Unyielding as the Rock of Gibraltar
Extraordinary, revolutionary and visionary thou art, Mandela!
- I, the poet, will also inspire change like the Rolihlahla of Madiba
You made history
Birthday turns the International Day
Gave the Black victory
- Reader, what would turn your birthday?
(c) Goke Williams, 2022
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