The skies were full of fire
But my eyes were full of rain
For the people who had lived here
Who would never breathe again
Drowning in the air

Death stood with his roster
Marking names off on a list
Somehow I was lost or
When it ended I was missed
Survivor’s sweet despair

A sparkling chance to touch the sky
To seek that phantom freedom
Dreams too large that burn too bright
And fast consume my wisdom
A bright, direct command

The chance to maybe feel for one
Exhilarating moment
Every dream a child has known
Before a searing plummet
By one’s own fragile hand

Somehow despite the knowledge
That all before have died
Here perched on my stony ledge
I let go and I fly.