Nelson Mandela

I wrote this on my FB page a few hours after hearing the news... (6 December 2013)

The world is in mourning for the passing of a great man...

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013

Madiba ‘the father of the nation’

Arguably one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen

A great and dignified statesman who served 27 years in prison for his undoubted belief in a true and equal South Africa

An inspiring figure to millions, especially his fellow prisoners, he was known for reciting this famous poem whilst imprisoned, by William Earnest Henley...

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

It is posted in my window and a candle burns this night, For all mankind remembers a man who stood to 'fight'...