A Final Walk to Freedom - Darko Antwi

As you leave,
Earth has not changed much.
Ticks still feed on cows,
frogs still squat in envy of crabs.
Sheep play the fool, as always.
Mandela, as you go,
pray for our conscience–
that we do not only place you
amongst saints, gods and supermen
and continue with our old ways.

You took a long walk
but it was not to freedom.
Now you walk
into the most private island:
no wildcats, no shrapnel,
no shadows, no virus
or tempest.

As you leave,
Earth has not changed much.
Ants onward create,
vultures scavenge,
tear and idle about without vision.
As you go, Mandela,
pray for our poor souls–
that we do not only place you
amongst saints, gods and supermen
and continue with our old ways.

You took a brutal walk
but it was not to freedom.
Now you walk
into the most private island,
no boundaries, no tribes,
no bishops, no advantage
or exploitation.

You walked and walked.
You walked mountains and valleys.
You stumbled and fainted.
You rose and travailed.
You carried us all.
Now take rest, just rest,
as you leave.

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Darko Antwi is a contributing editor to One Ghana, One Voice.