The Night Before

The day before was a revival

Yes or no

Believers and spirits

and the tortured eyes fallen in between

We sang for you, we sang for me

The night before was a battleground

Tooth and nail

Survivors and martyrs

and those who protected the old and young

but we all fought and we all won

The moment before was a silence

Heart and soul

Lullabies and sonnets

filled the empty night and choirs were formed

finally I stood motionless

watching the bullets pass by

each one closer than the next

I wondered if one could kill a man

and the moment passed

Some watched the sun rise against the dark

Night to day

Philosophers and artists

and the enjoyment of recognition

tiny heartbeats, small fists, and drums

Today we are free