4th Of July Freedom Poem

by Edward
(Mansfield, OH, USA)

Each year my family throws a 4th of July barbecue for our neighbors and friends. I grill up a mountain of hot dogs and hamburgers, and ice down at least five watermelons. There's always ice cream for the kids. By the end of the day there's nothing left (well, maybe a few crumbs for the ants :)

The grownups relax by the pool or play catch with the kids until late afternoon. Then, a few of us pack up our vans and take the kids to the park.

With blankets tossed out onto the ground for everyone to sit on and a few extras in case someone gets chilly, we talk about our jobs, our kids, the pleasant day we just shared. Many of the town's families are there, and we greet each other upon arrival. The children whisper in anticipation among themselves as the sky darkens.

And then the bright, colorful explosions begin to fill the evening sky. The kids laugh and marvel at the intricate, multicolored sparkles. And although we grownups have witnessed dozens of fireworks shows over the years, we are entranced anew by the beauty of it all.

At the end of the festivities we pack up, chatting a little with the other families while being careful not to wake the younger children who have fallen asleep. Goodbyes are exchanged, and a short trip later my wife and I are home putting the children to bed.

It has been a fun and cheerful day, and we are sad to see it end. I remind myself how lucky we are to be free to celebrate life as we enjoy it in these United States.

We have a small, romantic drink before heading to bed ourselves.

4th Of July Freedom Poem

A party with hamburgers and hot dogs,
friends and family in earnest fun.
A day to celebrate without oppression's fog,
as our freedoms have been fought for and won.
Free to go home and sleep like a log.