at last, at last

I grew up so grateful
to live free
at last
in the days beyond the end of
all the terrible things

I rejoiced to pray in ranks of the last
to have suffered

so lucky to know their stories
their struggles
before the sun dispersed
their final night

so lucky
to learn the songs
of the 60s
when hand in hand
so many rose
to lift me up

imagine! their smiles!
all our ancestors!
glowing
holding flowers,
blue bouquets,
 celebrating the dawn of this
eternal day