A Card For Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, with Robben Island prison in background.

                 

I mailed a card on Saturday-- a beautiful card, rich in color and texture; an elegant card, sincere in verse and sentiment; a card made by the skilled hands of my  daughter; a card made for South Africa's father.  A card for Nelson Mandela.

All the world weep for Nelson Mandela--weep with sorrow for an aging warrior, strong in spirit and brave in heart.  Weep with sadness for an ailing leader, weep as he lay silent in a hospital bed.   Weep for Nelson Mandela.  

 All the world cry for Nelson Mandela-- cry tears of shame for his years in prison, years in darkness and despair.  Cry tears of regret as he bears his injustice--with quiet dignity and humble grace.  Cry tears of gratitude for  his forgiveness...Forgiveness that none deserve.   Cry for Nelson Mandela.

All the world sing for Nelson Mandela--sing in harmony to comfort him;  sing softly now to soothe his brow; sing with uplifted voices to warm his heart. Sing him home again.  Sing for Nelson Mandela.

                                         And when at last his weary soul departs this earthly realm,

All the world grieve for Nelson Mandela--grieve and adorn yourselves in garments of sorrow; grieve, wail loudly and lament.  Grieve and fall prostrate on an earthen floor; grieve, let tears flow like a mighty river.  And when at last we can grieve no more--

All the world Remember Nelson Mandela. 



                                        
                                  A young Nelson Mandela in traditional tribal garments.




                           



                                          
                           A pensive Nelson Mandela in a Robbens Island prison cell.




                                        
                                             Nelson Mandela in later years.







Nelson Mandela in Pretoria hospital  6/18/13