... the anticipation of waiting
for full dark, for the lighting of red,

white and BOOM!  of fireworks.  The parades,
the picnics melted into July's

heat; the cool of eve refreshes as
families gather in one accord

to celebrate freedom and what it
means, to remember those still fighting,

those who've served for the 4th and ev'ry
day.  Never forget as each mortar

thuds skyward and bursts overhead in
a salute for peace, brought to you free

at a price many paid too much for.
Now - sit back.  The show's about to start.

(c) 2008, Karla Dorman (6/29)