Footsteps To Freedom Poem by Thabo Seseane

(Following Mandela's steps)

If we could see beyond the horizon,
If our eyes could follow the well-beaten path
To our destination;
And step onto fresh foot-prints
Made by the giant ahead.

If we could stir from under
The marula- and its shade -
Rooted next to the muddy spring,
And rejoin the journey
We would reach the horizon,
Only to come upon another, shimmering in the distance,
Also crossed by our ribbon-path.

But now the track of the giant's footsteps,
Once so steady and sure,
Would show signs of rhythm broken;
And here and there look smudged as if he had stumbled
Instead of marched, until we found -
Beyond a knoll, his body lying cold.

But now the far horizon more urgently beckons,
Connected to the same ribbon-path
That continues from his silent form.