You remind me of a pawn.
How it struggles before it reaches the last spot.
One step at a time, and it never looks back.
Keeps on hiding and switching lanes.

You are the reason this freedom mission was accomplished.
Even though the world has turned its back,
The ground still has your prints on.

You deserve praises,
Songs of glory that are endless,
You filled in the space.
You were not even afraid to face the beasts,
So sad your name didn’t appear in the list.

You are the reason we were given power,
You fought from the beginning with all your might,
And you were kicked out at the last ceremonial hour.

You are the greatest,
You deserve everything that shines.
Not the bunch of lies,
But faces that smiles.

With a hoe wearing your sandals,
You planted the crops,
You watered the garden and saw them grow,
You saw them ripen,
But you didn’t harvest nothing.

Just like a pawn,
You were used to crown a man.
A man wore the crown and carried a scepter.
Stories were told and accusations were made,
Your name was erased and very soon,
You were replaced.

But no one will ever take your place,
In your name history was made,
And in many hearts your name will always have a space.

You will always be my father,
Don’t know why mom divorced you.
You are a legend.
© Keabetswe Lelaka