They left so abruptly
The valiant ones
countless
many known
many more nameless
the truest sons and singers
husbands and poets
lovers and wives
daughters and farmers
workers and sisters
brothers and friends
they left so abruptly
with quiet pride
steely courage
gentle dignity
they left so abruptly
leaving us our tomorrows
brighter
hopeful
filled with promise
they left so abruptly
so that we may breathe
the breath of liberty
the air of freedom
the warmth of justice
they left so abruptly
leaving with us their parting gift
freedom
inkululeko
swatantrata
liberte
azadi
vhudilangi
libertad
they left so abruptly
yet we remember them all
today
in the days that slipped away
and in the many more that we await
they left so abruptly
yet they remain
hewed into our memories
etched in our consciences
engraved in our hearts
they left so abruptly
and yet they endure
with us
within us
now and forever more
(For the countless South Africans who were in exile during the struggle against Aoartheid).
Copyright © 2012 by Afzal Moolla
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