The Heartbeat (At Madiba's Death) Poem by Thabo Seseane

Captain's heart is still strange:
It beats as always, though his body is cold,
Now long cold.

As Captain's heart continues its beat,
Many are baffled but gain vigour, much
As before
His body grew motionless
And lay still.

Many called it an epoch when,
Through turbulent seas and marauding pirates,
His battered ship touched many shores-
Bringing things of value,
Prized since time began.

And now kings from distant lands
Have come to his.
They have gathered to salute his silent form
As it lies on the deck.
They bring messages and gifts to his people,
But the greatest gift is one they depart with:
That Captain lies dead, yet lives,
And that his heart beats strongly still.

© Thabo Seseane.2014.