The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July

The celebration of the day

The founders set the course

Presents an opportunity,

For better or for worse,

To analyze the true degree

To which our freedoms ring.

In absence of the same for all

They just don't mean a thing.

We like to think we have the right

To worship as we choose,

As long as we don't deviate

From well-established views.

We're told we have the best of health,

Of care to keep us well.

They want to fill us full of drugs,

But only those they sell.

We're free to  guzzle fossil fuel

Enroute to local mall.

Rapaciously consuming and

Denying global toll.

A lasting peace has always been

A noble goal pursued.

But when we act with fear and haste

A "war" always ensued.

As we defend our way of life

And force it on the planet,

We must confront a simple truth

And not misunderstand it;

A true and strong democracy

Asks something from the citizen

That's more than pyrotechnical

And rote allegiance given.