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Mandela: Bodhisattva

In this post 9/11 world, there is much for us Americans to learn from others who have been victimized. "Bodhisattva" is a Buddhist term for "compassionate being."

Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela makes a return visit to his cell on Robben Island. Jürgen Schadeberg. 1994
I never could have done it
I'd be filled with too much rage
I'd extract a pint of blood
For each trapped in that cage
I'd tell it all to Oprah
Scream it night and day
"Those dirty bastards raped my soul,
There's gonna be some kind of hell to pay."

    Mandela, bodhisattva
    Revenge would be the fashion
    You breathe in the pain of the world
    And you breath out compassion

Who wouldn't be bitter
For all the whips you tasted
They came begging, "Bail us out"
I'd have spit in their faces
Where'd you find the grace
Refuse your tooth for a tooth
Finally got your freedom
Who could ever give you back your youth

So many presidents
Feed the corporation
You give half your salary
To the children of your nation
In this upside-down kingdom
The fat cat's foiled again
Again the so-called savage
Shames the so-called "civilized man"


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