Last

Here's a different meaning of what it's like to be the last in something. Last in my view doesn't necessarily mean loser.

Being last has always been
a badly misunderstood concept,
forever linked to a race
where no one running wants to be
when it's over. In truth,
last has a certain dignity and repose
to it. I think of being last
as like the closing of a book,
counting down to the last sentence
to the last word on the last page,
and smiling as I close 
the back cover, thinking 
what a wonderful story I read.
I think of last as like
the final scene of Cheers, where
Sam Malone looks back
at the empty bar for memories
he forgot to collect, and seeing none
he turns out the lights, closes 
the door and walks up the steps
to the Boston street.
I am the last
of my generation. Like 
a book it's my duty 
to write the last chapter
for the next generation to learn
how we existed. And like
Sam Malone I'll head for the exit
to the old place, looking back 
for any memories 
I forgot to collect, turn out the
lights and close the door, 
and head for
the nearest bus stop
to catch up with my compatriots.