And yet…

I got to see the world while it was still beautiful
While flowers still bloomed - vibrant and bright
While birds swayed over a shimmering blue wave
While clouds floated by bouncing off pink and yellow light
I got to smell the world
While the trees were in bloom
And the perfume of jasmine filled the air
I got to be in the world while I was free
And so was my mom
And grandmother too
I used to hold her cheeks and kiss them
So soft and warm

I got to fall in love many times over
While watching the beauty and pain of humanity
While bursting with laughter and tears
I got to be in the world while I could vote
And have reckless and wild dreams
I got to be a professor in that world
And teach about relationships that build connection

We got to be in the world while it was being torn apart
And we get to be part of the movement to prevent it from being so