Madiba's Way

November 18, 2015

Madiba's Way

Madiba meets him at the door,
face open, hands held out,
eyes shrewd but kind,

unexpected warmth challenges
hardened preconception
and breaks him down.

He's come to speak of impending strife,
bring threat that violence brews,
blood lust is out!

Used to oppose and spar with words,
fixed in his role of foe
by past events,

he fears this man they've held in gaol,
assumes he'll bear ill-will
for all he's lost,

now free to speak for those, like him,
subjected to abuse
on grounds of race.

"Come in, come through, let me serve tea.
How is your wife, your child?
Your trip was good?"

Words spoken in his own language
convey unwonted care
that reaches deep

touching his heart hedged round by fear,
undaunted by the thorns
that have ripped flesh.

Each drop of blood that's been let,
each heinous crime condoned -
for all this pain,

before the dregs of human sin,
Madiba stoops and pours
a costly balm

of simple hospitality
that justly might reproach
but breathes respect.

© Janet Henderson November 2015

Inspired by John Carlin's account of the meeting between Nelson Mandela and one of the leaders of the former South African Defense Force in Knowing Mandela published by Harper Collins 2013 and Atlantic Books Ltd 2014 Mandela's way of treating everyone, including those whom he might have regarded as enemies and opponents, with respect was not welcomed by all his supporters. It was a disposition born of years of discipline and of a profound understanding of the conditions necessary to overcome human conflict. This kind of respect is described by Ruth Scott in her book The Power of Imperfection (SPCK 2014), 'Respect does not mean agreeing with the perspective of another person. How can I respect you if you have caused harm to me or family? Respect in this context is about accepting that, like me, you have a life history to share that may help me understand why you stand where you do.' p.18 The Power of Imperfection