An Original Poem: Nelson Mandela

Ntwari Kevin, ASYV Class of 2028, explains an original poem he wrote and performed with his grademate Kamugisha Keza Irene. The poem, Nelson Mandela, is featured below.

Due to his bravery and lasting impact, Nelson Mandela, also known as Madiba, is one of the world’s most recognized heroes. I remember sitting during family time in the Village, and everyone was talking about their role models. Four students mentioned Mandela, and I imagined how incredible it would be if he could return and see just how deeply his actions have inspired generations. I wrote my first poem at Agahozo, and I hope that my poetic journey will continue to grow over the next three years. I truly believe that through poetry, our lives are moving toward a revolutionary future.

Kevin and Irene perform their poem during ASYV’s 2025 Art Competition.

Nelson Mandela

by Ntwari Kevin and Kamugisha Keza Irene

Nelson Mandela: 

I rise again from prison days,
Where hope was locked, yet still found ways.
Behind bars, I shaped my soul
Now I return… is the world still whole?

Do voices rise where chains once lay?
Do hearts still fight for a fairer way?
Do young ones dream and dare to speak?
Or has the fire grown cold and weak?

Present-Day Youth (amazed):
Madiba… you’re real?!
You’ve returned… like thunder through the ground!
Your name still shakes the skies!

Nelson Mandela:
Do leaders serve, or chase the gold?
Do people march with spirits bold?
Does justice walk, or wear a disguise?
Do truths still shine, or drown in lies?

Present-Day Youth (dramatic):
Some shine!
But many shadows hide the rest…
Your dream breathes, but barely!

Nelson Mandela:
Then guard that dream with teeth and fire.
Each day it slips if one aspires.
Freedom is not a prize we keep
It lives where watchers do not sleep.

Do you, my child, still raise your voice?
Do you stand tall? Do you make the choice?

Present-Day Youth (firmly):
Yes, we try!
We shout!
We bleed for justice in the street.
But… oh, Madiba, it is not easy.

Nelson Mandela:
It was never easy, yet we rose.
With broken feet and battered clothes.
You have the sky, I longed to touch
So rise again, and rise as much.

If I were here, I’d walk with pride,
Not with anger, but strength inside.
I’d lead no throne, I’d wear no crown
But lift the weak when they fall.

(He steps closer, his voice full of quiet power.)

Nelson Mandela:
Even in the darkest hour,
You must speak the truth, you must have power.
When storms surround and lights grow dim
Stand anyway. Sing freedom’s hymn.

(He touches the youth’s shoulder. A calm, bright strength passes between them.)

Nelson Mandela:
Amandla.
The power is with you now.
Not in my bones, not in stone.
But in your hands, in how you speak,
In what you do, in how you seek.

Let freedom live because you do.