On holiday in Cape Town I have just visited Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 19 years. I have stood in the tiny cell that he occupied for 12 of them. I was shown around by a man who was arrested as a student in high school. He was a student protesting about inequality and for human rights for the black South African.
As we turn to depart the friendly black guide says
“I hope you all find a part of yourselves today
In this poignant place; in inumerable ways
As all around the world the memories should stay.”
This guide was in prison as a high school student,
After the nineteen seventy-six uprising.
His crime, he was accused of acting with intent
To terrorise. I find it very surprising.
He served five years hard labour and still he can smile,
At blacks, foreigners and at South African whites.
He speaks eloquently, serious for a while,
Tells about the struggles for democratic rights.
This place, this island of tears and of tyranny
Is a lesson for all of a past that has gone,
The triumph of the human spirit is there to see
Now we must all look to the future and move on.
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