"Release, February 1990" is a poem by Lynne Bryer (1946–1994) on the release from political incarceration of Nelson Mandela.
The poem is set in the time of apartheid, during the time of Nelson Mandela's release, which signified a changing in time and a new era. The poem has no rhyme or rhythm pattern but rather has a free verse structure. The poet talks about the emotions of the people at the time of Mandela's release and how this event was destined to happen.
the poem gives tribute and respect to Mandela and displays Mandela religious type figure. there are constant religious references within this poem, comparing Mandela to a messiah. in the first line the poet claims 'he emerged', this is an allusion to when Christ rose from the wake. they also describe Mandela as 'saintly'. the third stanza shows depictions of an Apocalypse. this is because due to NP propaganda there was a common feeling among white South Africans that if Mandela was released chaos would ensue. the poet however claims that this was not the end of days. she claims 'the heavens did not fall' showing this was not a religious reckoning. the notion of the mountain( presumably Table mountain) burning is another religious reference to the burning bush, when god showed himself to Moses. this may be an allusion to Mandela showing himself to the people of South Africa. the 'black elevation' is a reference that with Mandela being released this will result in the upliftment of black culture and pshycological liberation for Africans. this third stanza deals with eschatology, which in theology is associated with death and the apocalypse. however the poet writes this stanza in a patronizing way towards scared and panicked white South Africa. stanza four claims this time was 'destined' this keeps in tune with the notion of him being Messiah and it is constant with the previous religious connotations. destined also carries with it the idea that he was indeed destined to be released.