MADIBA br br I wasn't there br In the village of Mvezo br And Transkei when gods celebrate Gadle Henry Mphakanyisma. br br I wasn't there br When Madiba bow out br Of Nonqaphi Nosekeni's womb with scent of promise br Murmuring the song of emancipation br br I wasn't there br When King Ngubengcuka of Thembu people br Strapped the bags and gospel of struggle on the shoulders of Madiba. br br I wasn't there br When Madiba, Anton, Tambo, Lembede, Sisulu, and Ashby Mda br Became the panthers' parading the coast of Africa. br br I wasn't there br When Madiba shook tigers, lions and kissed their teeth br And when he became the cobra of African forests. br br I wasn't there br When Madiba wrestled with apartheid antelopes and elephants. br br I wasn't there br When Madiba and his crew br Grappled with the flag of perseverance, justice, tolerance and compassion. br br But I read about his heart of a mighty shark br His dedication of a mother br Strength and colour of African leopard. br br br (C) A.