Gone To Stay Poem by Galina Italyanskaya

A heartwarming tribute to The Legend That Never Dies - The Immortal Icon (Nelson Mandela) . I like the articulation and the insight of the poem. A lovely piece indeed. Thanks for sharing and remain blessed.

I have already commented on this poem in which you pay homage to that most worthy man, Nelson Mandela, whose life and achievements transcend any ordinary man's. B-U-T in re-reading your poem, I pretended it was about just that ordinary man who has cultivated the virtues of the decent life. These virtues are available to ANYONE and imagine what a fine father or husband or friend or colleague at work such a man would be. The light of his goodness would not shine as far or as brightly as Mandela's but those on whom it would fall would be blessed by his secular grace. I hope I can achieve in my life those opening two lines of your poem because they are truly characteristic of the HAPPIEST MAN.

Very well summed up in evocative words.

I was about to type - This poem celebrates a true hero who has no vanity, who seeks no treasure in return for his service, who has the generosity of spirit to see old enemies as potential friends. That had already gelled in my mind and then I saw your note TO NELSON MANDELA and my impression made perfect sense. This is a wonderful heartfelt praise of a true CITIZEN OF THE WHOLE WORLD. Nelson Mandela deserves Shakespeare's praise of a great man at the of JULIUS CAESAR - HIS LIFE WAS GENTLE, AND THE ELEMENTS/SO MIXED IN HIM THAT NATURE MIGHT STAND UP/AND SAY TO ALL THE WORLD 'THIS WAS A MAN.' When I read your first poem tonight I commented on the multiple meanings of proud. But with Nelson Mandela there was no ambiguity - He was the pride of the human race!

Hello Galina. Interesting poem of tribute. I wonder, of whom are you writing? I found it a smooth and nice piece. Loyd

A beautiful tribute Galina to the great Nelson Mandela he had such dignity and courage with his smile that enraptured the world with his true goodness, to love is to live! Thanks for sharing and best wishes!