On July 4th Weekend, something seems to be missing. |
A Cynical 4th of July. This Fourth of July Is like many others. I've had a good weekend. Got down with the brothers. I heard some music, Danced on in a fit. Painted a surreal, Brushed a literary bit. Cop 'copter hovering In my night's sky. Shining his spotlight Down in my dark eye. He must be looking, But it's not for me. It's cooler in the dark, At a quarter till three. Is one day like another? Sun rises and sets. It's predawn on the fourth Sky trailing with jets. Some clouds and breeze I greet this new dawn. Debating news, politics Will either ire, or yawn. I dig in the dirt To transplant the squash. I'd rather be outside Than doing the wash. I white Camero, 60s style, Sends a greeting with a smile. "Voted Kerry too," he trials, As I collect the sunflower pile. Day goes on In a regular way, Neighbor's are fighting Like every other day. Tele's a bore Nothing much to see, Better things to do Than watch what's for free. As the sun goes down My mind is set I'll have a festive night That I won't forget. Copter was a chase, Goin' after a thief. He'd killed some man, News of another family's grief. Then the fireworks come And the dogs freak out I turn up the music Dog dance and shout. There was no Kate Smith Or baseball for me, Just a little apple pie Made a patriotic me. But I think, and I write, In a land that's free. Why do we holiday? Why make merry? Soldiers are dying, Most people just tarry. Other lands are less than kind Flares light the night in delight, While grenades and land mines, Fly frantic frenzy and fright. I do declare with all my might There are things in this world That just aren't right. And "they" call it a memorable night. |