By Alan McGuire
Marking the anniversary of the Atocha massacre (1977) and the collective, peaceful response that shaped Spain’s democracy.
When murder turns to peace
we bring hate to its knees.
Love is more than us.
A massacre, a hug.
Five people gunned down.
Four lie in hospital.
We wait for a visit
at any moment
from the fascist leftovers.
A people tense,
unsure what will happen next.
Off to the streets they go—
no weapons,
only raised fists.
We lift their bodies, our country
with the force of our shoulders.
Marching as one to the graves
of timeless comrades.
Brave, they showed us a path
with their sacrifice.
We bury our dead peacefully tonight.
The Virgin of Atocha cried.
Thousands flooded her streets to say:
this is our Spain,
this is our right.
Democracy will win the fight.
