Nelson Mandela & Winnie Mandela
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From a letter dated Oct. 26, 1976:
My dearest Winnie,
I have been fairly successful in putting on a
mask behind which I have pined for the family,
alone, never rushing for the post when it comes
until somebody calls out my name. I also never
linger after visits although sometimes the urge to
do so becomes quite terrible. I am struggling to
suppress my emotions as I write this letter.
I have received only one letter since you were
detained, that one dated August 22. I do not
know anything about family affairs, such as
payment of rent, telephone bills, care of children
and their expenses, whether you will get a job
when released. As long as I don't hear from you,
I will remain worried and dry like a desert.
I recall the Karoo I crossed on several occasions.
I saw the desert again in Botswana on my way
to and from Africa--endless pits of sand and not
a drop of water. I have not had a letter from you.
I feel dry like a desert.
Letters from you and the family are like the
arrival of summer rains and spring that liven my
life and make it enjoyable.
Whenever I write you, I feel that inside physical
warmth, that makes me forget all my problems. I
become full of love.
ANOTHER LETTERS
These are just a few of the letters Mandela wrote
from Robben Island where he was sent in 1964
at the age of 46. Eighteen of his 27 years in
prison were spent on the prison island.
April 15, 1976
My dearest Winnie,
Your beautiful photo still stands about two feet
above my left shoulder as I write this note. I
dust it carefully every morning, for to do so gives
me the pleasant feeling that I'm caressing you
as in the old days. I even touch your nose with
mine to recapture the electric current that used
to flush through my blood whenever I did so.
Nolitha stands on the table directly opposite me.
How can my spirits ever be down when I enjoy
the fond
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