A Nostalgic Fourth

Sitting beneath the starry sky,
enjoying the company of family and friends…
on this beautiful Fourth of July.

The fireworks display of red, white, and blue,
squeals of laughter the aroma thick it fills the night air…
my senses awaken as memories slowly creep through.

The year was 1976,
the mountains of Kentucky…
family, neighbors, friends a wonderful mix.

Flags how proudly they did wave,
a special year for America…
for the home of the free and the brave.

Lincoln, Washington, and Uncle Sam were there,
marching in the parade…
proudly patriotic colors they did wear.

Gerald Ford our nation he lead,
breathing a sigh of relief as Vietnam had finally come to a close…
not forgotten…as many celebrated, while others still mourned the dead.

Rocky played at the local drive in,
Kitty Wells inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame…
Love Will Keep us Together record of the year Captain and Tennille did win.

Roots, written by Alex Haley a number one book,
as One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest…
apple pie and hotdogs an American tradition we did cook.

American poet John Ashbery a Pulitzer Prize he won,
protestor’s signs finally laid to rest…
as hopes for a peaceful life marched on.

A lifetime ago it now seems,
a bicentennial year not to be forgotten…
silence fills my heart…
while today we pay tribute to our nation…
as…I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag…still rings.

 
Written By: Joyce Bowling
©copyright 7/4/2007
All Rights Reserved