This July morning, I look up.  The
sky arches blue overhead; no
clouds mar its clarity.  The leaves
on the trees stand at attention;
no breeze stirs them.  The sun
burns hot, shining down on the
people wearing red, white and
blue, flags everywhere you look.
Sirens sound in the distance;
the parade's about to start.

Military jets tattoo the sky in
precise lines, their thunder
vibrating my soul with Freedom's
song.  And here they come!  the
marchers, emergency vehicles,
floats, bands, dogs, horses and
kids decked out in patriotic hues.
They pass in review, carried
along by applause's approval.
All too soon, the parade is over,

but not the fun.  Family and
friends gather together, giving
thanks for the right to celebrate.
The aroma of hot dogs and
hamburgers competes with
the flies to tickle the nose.
Afternoon dusks toward night.
Anticipation builds then explodes
as fireworks cap the ending to
a small town Independence Day.