*I wrote this piece 6/5/08 after the last of the primaries...


I can just hear her screaming "hot dog!" at the TV
last night as Barack made his speech
as if she were hear with me
not in the skies looking down
nodding in approval - happy to see it
in a not so distant time - but from distant
point of view - not able to cast her own ballot
we shed tears for her when we cast ours
understand and appreciate what it means
and how our lifetimes era will be remembered
for something other than a war
as we made history - like she always believed
we could - we did - we witnessed
one hell of a ride - the old folks
hearts in their throats - afraid for
his life - because he believed in what he can do
with all his might - and refused to
be told that he couldn't - even worse
shouldn't - said we shouldn't fear
this is our country too
and she had said that too
knew when I first heard him speak
said my thanks to God
and left over from last night
rocking back and forth waving her hands
and singing to herself
I know
my grandmother is smiling