Mandela

and now he's gone
that gentle man
who years ago
refused to break

and in response
his freedom lost
but later still
his power claimed

and then that man
so long abused
defied the call
to seek revenge

and by that choice
to pardon hate
his image rose
above the fray

God and Santa

kindly men
with flowing beards
watching lives
demanding faith

ingrained in youth
by those we trust
promised rewards
threats of revenge

innocent beliefs
for those so young
uneasy faith
as minds mature

and one a myth
they soon confirm
the other real
their fears insist