It was the day after the intense rugby tryouts for Amity Regional Rugby Club for the North East State and College Canine rugby competition; in which Tramp, Scamp and Ex-Junkyard Dogs Mooch, Scratchy and Sparky had trained and played well enough to be accepted into the team.

It was a fairly warm and partly cloudy but sunny late summer’s day in New Haven, Connecticut with the temperatures ranging around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so it was a great day to be outside. And that was exactly the attitude of a number of canines gathered together at East Rock Park in Hamden; who were meeting for a friendly catch up and celebration; but also to meet each other for the first time. This group of canines consisted of four cocker spaniels, two mongrels, a bloodhound, a Scottish terrier, an Afghan hound, a French bulldog, a sheepdog, a Pomeranian, and two schnauzers.

The four cocker spaniels were talking with the Afghan hound, the sheepdog, and the French bulldog and the two schnauzers were talking with the two mongrels, the bloodhound and the Scottish terrier.

The Afghan hound, Ruby; the sheepdog, Mooch; and the French bulldog, Francois, were explaining the history of Tramp’s life as a stray to the three young spaniels, Annette, Collette, and Danielle; who were Lady & Tramp’s daughters. They had already heard of the stories from their father’s own mouth before, but these three spaniels were being treated to an extension of it from Tramp’s old friends. Francois, Mooch, and Ruby mentioned Tramp’s life in the junkyard and how he taught them everything that he knew before he went off on his own and left them to run on their terms. But Ruby left out the fact that, at one time, she had a crush on Tramp and was tempted to run with him; because she didn’t want to leave a bad impression on his daughters or mate and therefore cause an ugly fight.

On the other side, the two schnauzers, Tramp and his son Scamp, had introduced the bloodhound, Trusty, and the Scottish terrier, Jock, to the two mongrels, Sparky and Scratchy. Normally Jock was not very good at getting along with certain other dogs because he had a quick-fire temper and he would show any suspicious untrustworthy dog who was boss; but because he trusted Tramp and he knew that these mongrels were his friends, he knew that they were going to be fine; so he saved his judgemental attitude for another time. And Trusty, being gentle and slightly sensitive as he was, didn’t hesitate to speak to and get to know them. It was true that he used to track criminals with his grandfather, Old Reliable, but he was never aggressive or stern and he never judged dogs or people upfront before getting to know them. Deep down he was just a true kind, loyal and hard working bloodhound. He and Jock also congratulated the four now-rugby-playing canines on their selection for the local team and wished them luck on their upcoming season.

After a bit of time for all present canines in East Rock Park to get to know each other, Tramp eventually got up onto one of the park benches and called for everyone to gather around:

“Excuse me, everyone! Can I have your attention, please?”

All dogs stopped talking amongst themselves and quietened down while turning their eyes towards Tramp to listen in to the speech that he was about to make:

“Now, I want to first of all thank each and every one of you for coming to this gathering in this beautiful park here in Hamden. This is a very special occasion for all of us for a few reasons: Firstly, so that we could all meet and get to know each other. I feel that from the two lives that I have lived; as both a street and house dog; I have made many friends, but not being able to see my old friends as much just because I switched from one life to the other makes me feel bad. I truly love my family with all my heart and you are everything to me,…” he looked at his son, daughters and mate with a loving smile. “…but so are my original friends.” He then looked back towards the Ex-JD’s with a meaningful tone in his voice. “I say this because all of the times that we spent together and all of the fun that we had were so special to me that you became another part of my family. There was a special bond that we all shared and it really brought out the heart of our friendship. It was that extra boost that helped me to survive out on the streets. So I say to the Ex-JD’s that you are my brothers and sister in arms. You are my extended family; and you will always be an important part of me.”

The Ex-JD’s smiled in appreciation, but were also very touched by Tramp’s emotional words. Even Mooch and Ruby felt like crying because they were a couple of the most sensitive out of their Ex Junkyard clan.

“And my main family I love more than anything else in this world.” Tramp continued before looking at his beautiful mate, Lady. “You, Pidge, gave me everything that any living canine could ever ask for: You gave me love. It was the true quality of life that you introduced me to and you made me a better and more mature canine. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and you are everything that I live for. I love so much you, Pidge.”

“I love you too, Tramp.” Lady replied lovingly. She also felt very touched by her mate’s true confessions, even though she already knew; but up until now Tramp had never said it out loud.

“And as for my darling siblings…” Tramp continued, focusing his pupils on his offspring. “I love you all just as much. What I wouldn’t give to turn back time and see you all as pups again. You were all so cute and playful when you were little and I enjoyed every minute of spending the fun with you. Now here you stand before me almost fully grown up, and you have not changed one bit on the outside. You still look just as adorable as when you were younger, and no matter what happens, you will always be my pups.”

Annette, Collette, Danielle, and Scamp felt very touched as their father released such beautiful words from his mouth. Again, Tramp had not even told of his love for his children in this way until now. He then continued on speaking about his children’s special traits:

“Annette, so honest and wise; Collette, as beautiful as a supermodel; Danielle, cheeky but calm with a heart of gold; and of course Scamp, a little wild and adventurous at first but also good and decent on the inside. Even though we are special in our own way, our hearts beat as one, and that is why we are family. Remember that no matter where you go or what you do with your lives, you always will be special to your mother and I, and we love you for that very reason.”

And with that said, all of Tramp’s family came up and embraced him, feeling the love that their mate and father had put out to their hearts. The Ex-JD’s, Jock and Trusty felt for them and all let out a bit “Aaawwwwwwww!” as they happily watched this loving family express their affection for each other.

After the embrace was finished, Tramp concluded his speech:

“All in all, Let us all join together in celebrating this gathering of friends and family as we unite into one big family. Thank you very much, everyone and enjoy this day!”

All cheered and howled in congratulations for Tramp as he finished, and he gratefully embraced their support for him. After they settled down he then let Scamp take over to perform a speech after they briefly whispered something to each other. As the adolescent schnauzer stood in front of the small canine crowd, the Ex-JD’s panted in excitement as they waited for their friend and part mentor to speak.

“Thank you very much, and beautifully spoken, dad.” Scamp began, looking proudly at his father briefly before continuing: “And I want to thank you all for being here; my fellow Ex-JD’s, my Uncle Jock and Trusty, and my family. It is so wonderful that we could all get together today and create a bond to make one big family. Dad has summed up pretty much everything, but I would just like to thank you all for your help. Thank you to the Ex-JD’s for teaching me all the tricks and stunts out on the streets as well as being able to survive. Thank you Uncle Jock and Trusty for being there and supporting us in mum and dad’s absence. Thank you mum, dad, and my sisters for believing in and loving me in difficult times as well as teaching me to play safe. And…” He then turned to his Pomeranian mate. “…thank you, Angel, for being probably the wisest stray I have ever known and giving me a reason to live. If not for you, who knows what mess I would be stuck in without seeing a way out. I love you, baby.”

“I love you too, Scamp.” Angel responded, very flattered by her mate’s remark to her. “Don’t mention it.”

Scamp winked at her before refocusing his eyes back to the rest of the crowd and continuing on with his speech:

“And I am also really looking forward to start playing on the rugby field with dad, Sparky, Scratchy, and Mooch. This place that we are about to enter will be like no other place that we have been before; and it could be even harder than the tricks of the streets. It will be a long and difficult challenge and it will require tough hard work and willingness if we are to overcome whatever obstacles may come our way. But there will also be plenty of fun and excitement in this legendary sport, and therefore we are playing this game because we want to enjoy ourselves. So let’s set foot inside the white rectangle and give it all we have got. What say you?”

“Hear, hear, partner!” Mooch yelled excitedly.

“You said it, buddy!” Scratchy added.

“With you all the way!” Sparky also yelled.

“Yes, one hundred percent, Whirlwind!” Tramp finished aloud.

“Alright, then.” Scamp went on, immediately concluding his speech. “Well, thank you all again for everything, looking forward to starting rugby camp, and let’s enjoy this day together. Cheers!”

Everyone then applauded Scamp for his wonderful speech as he came back into the crowd. The Ex-JD’s all came up and shook his paw as he did; with Francois and Mooch even embracing him, being a little crazy but heart-warming as they were; in respect and honour for the young schnauzer. Each member of Scamp’s family then embraced him individually, as did his Uncle Jock and Uncle Trusty. Scamp felt so flattered by all of this.

How could I have ever imagined something like this? He thought in complete awe. Do I really have this many friends and do they really respect me so much for what I have done? I never thought that I deserved this much. He shook his head in amazement and smiled at the thought, but then something else came to him: But if this is true, I hope that I don’t let them down. He knew that he inspired his friends to play rugby but also to bring out the best of themselves, and he now had to further lead them as a mentor, so he only hoped that he could continue to help them along without failure.

After Scamp finished embracing his family, Jock and Trusty then got up in front of the crowd to get ready in giving their own speeches, and the canines went quiet once again to listen in as Jock began speaking:

“Thank ya very much for those wonderful words, Scamp and Tramp. I swear that could really make most laddies here shed a tear or two, heh heh.” He chuckled a bit before continuing. “Anyways, we won’t keep ya too long, but I would just like to say firstly that it has been terrific meeting all of ya Ex Junkyard Dogs. You are all very kind and loyal at first impression and we are more than happy to have ya as part of our neighbourhood. Personally, I will not be afraid to say that I used to be slightly judgemental of strays or strangers to the neighbourhood, but I now understand that it is important not to judge folk before getting to know them; and therefore I can see that ya Ex-JD’s have grown past your previous ways of living and come into safer environments; so I respect your decisions and all of ya are now our friends.”

The Ex-JD’s smiled in great appreciation at Jock’s acceptance of them into the community.

“I also want to congratulate Tramp, Scamp, Mooch, Scratchy and Sparky for making the rugby team. Best of luck to ya all out on the field and I hope ya have some fun out there. The country of the heritage of my breed, Scotland, plays rugby quite a lot, so I know a bit about the sport myself. I know that it is a very rough game and there will be a lot to overcome to get to the top, but I trust that ya all can do it with the will and determination that ya hold. Good luck to ya and play well, laddies. Thank ya. Over to ya now Trusty.”

The crowd applauded Jock’s speech for ten seconds before Trusty took over to speak:

“Thank you, Jock. I just want to say that I have also enjoyed meeting you all. Welcome to this great neighbourhood and we are more than honoured to let you into our great community. Just remember to play safe and always be loyal to your owners and fellow canine friends so that you will fit in fine with us and show your true belonging.”

“Very wise words.” Sparky, inspired by Trusty’s statement, whispered to Ruby.

“Being a long term member of this community, he would know.” Ruby replied, likewise inspired.         

“And,” Trusty continued. “I also want to wish the best of luck to the rugby-playing canines and that they have some fun out there. Remember to play and work hard; keep physically fit and mentally prepared; behave well both on and off the field; and most importantly, enjoy yourselves. Thank you all again and have a great day!”

The crowd applauded for another ten seconds as Trusty finished, and then he and Jock walked back into the canine crowd to socialise once again.

The social party lasted for another hour before they finally parted the park to go back to their homes in the neighbourhood of Snob Hill. The gathering was finished, but the memories of meeting each other and the acceptance of the Ex-JD’s into the community would be remembered on this day.

*

It was mid-evening back at the Brown’s mansion, and the family had just finished eating their dinner. Lady and her three cocker spaniel daughters had gone to spend time by the fire with Jim Dear and Darling. Jim Dear was busy reading the newspaper and Darling was knitting.

And in the TV room, Tramp, Scamp and Angel were sitting on the sofa and watching the DVD film that Angel had bought for Scamp less than a month ago when she found out that Scamp was interested in rugby: Invictus. This film was a portrayal of the true story of Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) and the struggle for black peoples’ aspirations and peace between them and the white people of South Africa because of the dreaded apartheid era. But under Mandela’s leadership as president of the country, the blacks and whites would unite into a new era of peace and democracy; including Mandela’s encouragement to the South African rugby team; the Springboks, led by captain Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon) to pick up their act and win the Rugby World Cup in hope of contribution to rebuild the nation.

They got up to the part where Mandela had just walked into his office on his staring day as President of South Africa and immediately assembled all the staff to speak to them:

“Good morning.” Mandela began as he stood up in front of them. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. Some of you might know who I am. I could not help noticing the empty offices as I came to work this morning; and all of the packing boxes. Now, of course, if you want to leave, that is your right. And if you feel in your heart that you cannot work with your new government, then it is better that you do leave, right away. But if you are packing up because you fear that your language or the colour of your skin or who you worked for before disqualifies you from working here, I am here to tell you; have no such fear. What is verby is verby. The past is the past. We look to the future now. We need your help. We want your help. And if you would like to stay, you would be doing your country a great service. All I ask is that you do your work to the best of your abilities. I promise to do the same. If we can manage that, our country will be a shining light in the world.”

Scamp became awestruck at this amazing statement.

“Very powerful, isn’t it?” He therefore responded to his mate and father. “Those are the words of a true peacemaker.”

“He sure has a lot of guts to forgive the whites after what they did to him.” Angel added; feeling likewise amazed. “I mean, after being imprisoned for 27 years for a heroic fight for the rights of the black people of the nation; and being treated horribly in prison for that long; what in the world gives him the power to forgive?”

“Great question, but leave that till later.” Tramp replied. “It might tell us in the film.”

They continued watching; when they came to the part where Mandela had assigned extra body guards; who were whites, or Afrikaans; alongside his black body guards; and head bodyguard Jason protested to Mandela at his action because of fear that the Afrikaans guards would double cross them:

“When people see me in public, they see my bodyguards.” Mandela said to Jason. “You represent me directly. The rainbow nation starts here. Reconciliation starts here.”

“Reconciliation, sir?” Jason asked.

“Yes, reconciliation, Jason.”

“Comrade President,” Jason protested again. “Not long ago these men tried to kill us. Maybe even these four guys in my office tried and often succeeded.”

“Yes, I know.” Mandela replied gently and with assurance. “Forgiveness starts here too. Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon. Please, Jason…try.”

Jason thought for a little before responding.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir.”

And then he left the President’s office.

These quotes about trust and forgiveness made Scamp think again: I had no idea that forgiveness was really that powerful. So we must forgive our enemies instead of seeking revenge against them and making them more afraid of us? That also got him thinking about his and Tramp’s old rival Buster again, and how much of an enemy he seemed to be because he turned away from Tramp and trapped Scamp in the pound; but somehow Scamp had a feeling that all Buster needed was a bit of help; and so listening to these inspirational quotes could help Scamp study just what Buster could use in that situation.

Not too much later in the film, it came to the part where the National Sports Executive threatened to drop the Springboks completely because of their apparent representation of apartheid; when Mandela showed up to the building where the NSE held the meeting with the black citizens of South Africa, who were in support of the elimination decision, and protested against their decision:

“Brothers, sisters, comrades;” Mandela spoke aloud to his fellow natives. “I am here because I believe you have made a decision with insufficient information and foresight. I am aware of your earlier vote. I am aware that it was unanimous. Nonetheless, I believe that we should restore the Springboks.”

Some of the people in the audience murmured quietly in question to this to one another as Mandela continued:

“Restore their name, their emblem, and their colours immediately. Let me tell you why: On Robben Island, in Pollsmoore Prison, all of my jailors were Afrikaners. For 27 years I studied them. Learned their language. Read their books…their poetry. I had to know my enemy before I could prevail against him. And we did prevail, did we not? All of us here; we prevailed. Our enemy is no longer the Afrikaner. They are our fellow South Africans; our partners in democracy. And they treasure Springbok rugby. If we take that away, we lose them. We prove that we are what they feared we would be. We have to be better than that. We have to surprise them with the compassion; with restraint and generosity. I know all of the things they denied us; but this is no time to celebrate petty revenge. This is the time to build our nation using every single brick available to us; even if that brick comes wrapped in green and gold. You elected me your leader. Let me lead you now. Who is with me on this?”

“Woah! What amazing words of wisdom!” Tramp exclaimed, completely awed at what he had just heard. “This whole reconciliation process seems even more complicated than I thought.”

“I don’t think that many others would have thought of it in the way he did.” Angel added. “Everyone else seemed to be jumping to conclusions on the whole apartheid torture before seeing reason.”

“Yep, safer to research before judgement.” Scamp agreed, who was really keeping up to date with the theme of the film.

The very next scene showed Mandela and his secretary Brenda in the back seat of his car that was being driven by his bodyguards:

“I’m sorry, Madiba,” Brenda said to the president. “but we’ve got problems everywhere we look: Housing, food, jobs, crime, our currency. You can’t keep interrupting affairs of state to placate a minority.”

“But I must.” Mandela replied immediately with slight force. “That minority still controls the police, the army, and the economy. If we take that away, we cannot address the other issues.”

“So this rugby is just a political calculation?” Brenda asked.

“Uh…it is a human calculation.” Mandela replied. “If we take away what they cherish; the Springboks, their national anthem; we just reinforce the cycle of fear between us. I will do what I must to stop that cycle, or it will destroy us.”

“That is very true.” Angel responded after she listened to this. “If Mandela had actually let his comrades seek revenge on the whites, then the whites would also try to fight back, and then maybe a full civil war could have broken out, disrupted peace of mind, and made things worse for the nation.”

“Yeah, the blacks may be attempting to seek justice, but I believe that it is plain revenge, and I don’t think that it will make the pain go away.” Scamp added, also seeing reason to this. “You never know what horrible things you can do or what you might become with such bad intentions.”

“Not to mention that part about the other problems South Africa had.” Tramp also remarked. “It would be very difficult to solve them if ALL the people of the nation cannot cooperate with each other. The nation would just collapse and take longer to rebuild. So you could say that this peace between both clans is the most urgent and important priority towards building the nation before fixing the other problems.”
 

“Good point, dad.” Scamp replied in agreement.

“Yeah, well said.” Angel also agreed.

A bit later they came to the part where Mandela had invited Springbok captain Francois Pienaar to tea:

“Tell me, Francois,” Mandela said to him. “What is your philosophy on leadership? How do you inspire your team to do their best?”

“By example.” Francois replied. “I’ve always thought to lead by example, sir.”

“Well, that is right.” Mandela continued. “That is exactly right. But how to get them to be better than they think they can be? That is very difficult, I find. Inspiration, perhaps. How do we inspire ourselves to greatness, when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us? I sometimes think it is by using the work of others. On Robben Island, when things got very bad, I found inspiration in a poem.”

“A poem?” Francois asked, seemingly intrigued.

“A Victorian poem.” Mandela went on; deep in thought at his memory in prison. “Just words. But they helped me to stand when all I wanted to do was to lie down.” He then snapped out of his thoughts and focussed back onto his tea guest, thinking that he might be boring Francois. “But you didn’t come all this way to hear an old man talk about things that make no sense.”

“No, no, please, Mr. President.” Francois immediately replied, catching onto what Mandela was talking about. “It makes complete sense to me. On the day of a big match, say, a test, in the bus on the way to the stadium, nobody talks.”

“Yes. They’re all preparing.” Mandela responded.

“Right.” Francois said, continuing. “But when I think we’re ready, I have the bus driver put on a song: Something I’ve chosen, one we all know. And we listen to the words together. And it helps.”

Mandela, getting that Francois understood, went back into his thoughts and continued on with his inspirational words:

“I remember when I was invited to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Everybody in the stadium greeted me with a song. At the time, the future; our future; seemed very bleak. But to hear that song in the voices of people from all over our planet made me proud to be South African. It inspired me to come home and do better. It allowed me to expect more of myself.”

“May I ask, what was the song, sir?” Francois asked.

“Well, it was ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’.” Mandela replied. “A very inspiring song. We need inspiration, Francois. Because in order to build our nation, we must all exceed our own expectations.”

All three canines were once again awestruck at Mandela’s words. These seemed to be some of the most motivational words that they had ever heard.

“I don’t know how anyone on earth could ever be as philosophical as this man.” Tramp responded in amazement. “But what I do know is that from what he said; with great motivation and inspiration in every way possible, the impossible can be made possible and the best can be brought out of anyone, even if things seem bad, if they have great vision and belief and therefore work harder than ever expected to make it come true.”

“Well figured out, dad.” Scamp responded, impressed at his father’s attention to detail. He then, also inspired by the motivational philosophy, came up with an idea. “I think we could certainly use this philosophy to motivate our team, what say you?”

“I think that it will certainly help boost the team’s psychological morale.” Tramp replied, agreeing with his son’s idea. “Especially for any team playing a sport that is not entirely popular in this country. They might think that by playing an unfamiliar sport, others might not think much of their performance; but with a little inspiration to greater performance, they can exceed both their expectation of themselves and others’ expectation of them, and therefore the team might gain additional support to help them ascend to great heights beyond imagination.”

“Totally agree, again, dad.” Scamp responded, still amazed at his father’s philosophy.

“Yeah, well said.” Angel put in. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Not many others could.”

Tramp, flattered by Angel’s gesture as if he himself was an inspirational figure, smiled and nodded at her in appreciation before focusing his eyes back onto the film.

A bit later still, they came to the part where sports journalist and reporter Johan de Villiers was interviewing Mandela on TV:

“Tell me, Mr. President.” de Villiers inquired to Mandela. “Have you always been a rugby fan?”

“Well, people don’t realise that I played rugby myself when I was a student at Fort Hare.” Mandela responded. “It is a very rough game; almost as rough as politics.”

de Villiers chuckled for a second in amusement before he continued:

“How do you think the Springboks will do?”

“Oh, I think that they will do very well.” Mandela optimistically replied. “Their level of commitment is tremendous.”

“Now, its been said that you used to support any team that played against the Springboks.” de Villiers added, seemingly intrigued at Mandela’s sudden switch of support for the national rugby team.

“Yes, well, obviously that is no longer true.” Mandela responded. “I am one hundred per cent behind our boys. After all, if I cannot change when circumstances demand it, how can I expect others to?”

“Yes, very true again.” Scamp remarked after he heard this statement. “Again it is that very thing about leadership by example: If one can perform at their best towards becoming a true icon, others will look up to either him or her as an inspiration of greatness and will be further inspired to bring the best out of themselves. And then one can be amazed at what so many of that calibre can do when they work together.”

“Yes, and in this situation Mandela realises that to build the nation, he must show his fellow native and Afrikaans citizens what needs to be done by his own example, and then they will all be inspired to follow suit and work together to contribute to the reconciliation process.” Angel added. “Otherwise if the people have no true leader and they don’t know what needs to be done, they will be left to their own actions and will continue to conflict each other, eventually leaving the nation to crumble.”

“Hear, hear.” Scamp replied before turning back to the TV.

Tramp also agreed with these statements and nodded to both his son and mate to show it before he looking back to the film.

They eventually reached the scene where the Springboks were on a guided tour through Robben Island prison, where Mandela had been imprisoned, and through the scene Mandela was speaking in a voice-over; reciting the Victorian poem that he had told Francois about: Invictus by William Ernest Henley:

“Out of the night that covers me,


Black as the Pit from pole to pole,


I thank whatever gods may be


For my unconquerable soul.



In the fell clutch of circumstance


I have not winced nor cried aloud.


Under the bludgeonings of chance


My head is bloody, but unbowed.



Beyond this place of wrath and tears


Looms but the Horror of the shade,


And yet the menace of the years


Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.



It matters not how strait the gate,


How charged with punishments the scroll.


I am the master of my fate:


I am the captain of my soul.”

The three canines looked at each other again after they heard the poem. They were amazed again at these powerful and meaningful words.

“So this is the theme for the film:” Angel said to them. “No matter what difficult things you may face in your life, the inner willpower that you hold dear will always be there; and if you are not afraid to use it in fighting to overcome the odds, you will hang onto your life and will eventually find happiness.”

“Exactly.” Tramp philosophically replied. “It is the willpower that keeps us strong. And only we can decide our own fate; which will, in time, let us see just how rested or conquered our souls have become because of that particular decision.”

“So therefore,” Scamp, also philosophically, added. “No one else can decide our fate or conquer our souls because we take our own charge of both through strong leadership; and it is only up to us to command our fate; which will therefore, under the right and wise decisions, bring peace into our souls.”

“Yes; very well put, Whirlwind.” Tramp impressively responded.

“Strong words and very powerful.” Angel remarked, also impressed by her mate and ‘father-in-law’s’ supposed philosophical expertise.

 They continued to watch the remainder of the film; where the Springboks made it to the quarterfinals and beat Western Samoa, defeated France in the semi-final, a then went on to defeat the New Zealand All Blacks in the World Cup Final in a hard fought kicking game contest that even went into extra time.

After the Springboks celebrated for a bit after winning, Johan de Villiers spoke to Francois Pienaar with the microphone audible around the whole of Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg:

“Great game.” de Villiers said. “But you couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of 67,000 screaming South Africans here today.”

“Yeah.” Francois responded. “We didn’t have the support of 67,000 South Africans. We had the support of 43 million South Africans.”

The crowd in the stadium erupted in cheers after he said this.

“Beautifully remarked.” Scamp responded after he heard this. “The mended and united nation of South Africa finally believed and supported them the whole way through. That just goes to show that the extra support of the fans helps you to perform well.”

Angel and Tramp both smiled and nodded in agreement at Scamp’s statement. Yet another valid point had been made.

They then reached the part where Mandela stood on the podium and was about to hand the William Webb-Ellis World Cup to Francois:

“Thank you for what you have done for our country.” Mandela proudly said to Francois.

“No, Mr. President.” Francois replied. “Thank you for what you have done for our country.”

They then shook hands as Mandela handed the World Cup to Francois, who then lifted it high in proud victory. The crowd cheered loudly once again.

The film finished with Mandela being escorted through the crowds lining the streets of Johannesburg as he recited the last verses of Invictus.

As the credits of the film rolled, Tramp turned the volume on the TV down and spoke his final thoughts on the film to his son and ‘daughter-in-law’:

“That was such a powerful film. It is amazing that a man with such dignity and compassion could help to mend a torn nation after years of discrimination between races, despite how horribly they must have treated him for 27 years when he was a convict.”

“Quite an extraordinary man of admirable personality, if you ask me.” Angel put in. “No one else on earth like him. None to ever replicate.”

“Too true.” Scamp also responded. “But I also think that this film has taught us that rugby is not just a game you play. It is a place where you can learn some very important lessons in life, both psychologically and philosophically speaking: Teamwork, fair play, commitment to important duties, respect for your fellow teammates and friends, learning from your mistakes and losses and using these bad breaks as motivation to work harder towards success, being a true gentlemen; as it was said earlier in the film, ‘rugby is a hooligans game played by gentlemen’; and fighting for the pride and spirit of your country. So all in all, the game can really teach oneself about how to be a better person, or animal, and bring out the best in him or her.”

“Yes, beautiful analysis, my boy.” Tramp replied, once again impressed by his son’s words. “In sports as in life, huh?”

“Oh you know it, dad.” Scamp replied, suddenly reaching for his iPad as he thoughts about life lessons influenced him to further interpretation.

“That also reminds me; listen to these two songs:”

He scrolled through iTunes and came across Nickelback’s If Everyone Cared:

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky

Confusing stars for satellites

I never dreamed that you'd be mine

But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

[Chorus:]

If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies

Our only light in paradise

We'll show the world they were wrong

And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

(I'm alive)

[Chorus x2]

And as we lie beneath the stars

We realize how small we are

If they could love like you and me

Imagine what the world could be

[Chorus x2]

We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day when nobody died

After this song was finished, Scamp immediately selected another Nickelback song: If Today Was Your Last Day:

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the prize is always worth the fight

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try

So live like you'll never live it twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day

If today was your last day

Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?

You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars

Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes

'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life

Let nothin' stand in your way

Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day

“Powerful lyrics, I must say.” Angel responded as the song finished; while also looking at the lyrics to both songs that Scamp had put up on the iPad. “There is certainly a definite message there about respect and sharing for peace of mind and living wisely. Again many can learn about the importance and goodness of life just by listening to these songs.”

“Yeah.” Tramp responded. “And I just hope that our teammates and us will learn all of these things as we head into the season so that we can become a competitive team.”

“Only time will tell, dad.” Scamp replied as he looked out the window into the night sky and dreamt about his and his friends’ supposed destiny that was not far away. “Only time will tell…”

To be continued…

All quotes © Invictus (film) (2009), excluding Victorian poem, Invictus: © William Ernest Henley.

If Everyone Cared and If Today Was Your Last Day © Nickelback.

All characters belong to Walt Disney. No such intention of plagiarism attempted and I fully respect the regulations against copyright violations.

BlackJack16.

© January 2013.