The Celebration (Part II)

The men gathered there were of the same mind
So papers were drawn and papers were signed.
Independence Day was forthwith proclaimed
People agreed it was very well named.
But as the days and the years slipped by
The day became known as the Fourth of July.
What have we here on every back road and street
An American picnic-- all you can eat!
Hot dogs, hamburgers that taste better still
For having them cooked on an outdoor grill,
Corn on the cob and garden greens,
Grandma's recipe for home-baked beans,
Buffalo wings and chicken legs,
Potato salad and deviled eggs,
Sliced tomatoes and plenty of slaw,
Fresh cooked fish and clams that are raw.
If you didn't have a glass of iced tea first
A slice of watermelon can quench your thirst.
Finally each admites to family and frieds
The national fest has come to an end,
The left-over food is squirreled away
It will taste good the following day.
The trash is recycled or thrown in a bin
Someone announces LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Each retires to the scene of his choice
To compete, play hard, relax, rejoice.
Some take a dip in the outdoor pool,
Some go to the beach where they hope to stay cool,
Some turn on the TV for music that's tops,
The holiday concert of the Boston Pops.
They see people dance and wave flags old or new
Just as long as the colors are red, white, and blue.
Some go to a concert in a park
Where they listen to music until it gets dark.
When the day's games are over and the evening draws nigh
Everyone's attention turns to the sky
They turn their attention the the fireworks display
Best way to end a Fourth of July day.
The explosions of light are furious an fast
Each new burst of light surpasses the last.
Adults become children
With their oohs and aahs
To the pyrotechnic Wizard of Oz,
A burst and it's over-- all feel so bereft
Still staring, they see that the stars are still left.
They return to their cars
Slowly traffic will creep
Go home
Go to bed
If they are lucky they'll sleep.
--Monica B. Owens