Madiba (sonnet 16) Poem by Ogaga Ifowodo

16

So dance with me Oliver, rise and dance,
you whom an angel set free, took the chance

and lit a fire in the rain. Take my hand,
Govan, who governed rage with reason and banned

regrets of rash action. Come to this dance
all of you, defiant to the death, lance

in hand for all untended boils. Raise your
voice, shout "Amandla" and break the earth on your

graves with "Ngawethu." Now beyond fear
or loathing or joy in vengeance, bring to bear

on the days ahead, the forgiving influence
of the grave. Guide my feet to the confluence

of memory and faith. Bind me to the path
you died clearing. And stay. Watch this day's aftermath.