Independence Day (Part I)

Royal blood
There’s no such thing
We need not be loyal to a man called king
To dine with fine wine
The king feels free
He begrudges his subjects a plain cup of tea
He has much of everything but he still wants more
The simple solution
Just tax the poor
We all want to strive for a life that is pleasant
It’s everyone’s right be he called prince or peasant
We gleaned the best thoughts for the soundest of minds
And forged a document—a tie that binds
We declared independence for all countries and climes
A chance for happiness for all people and times
--Monica B. Owens

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

Epilogue (Part III)

One wakes up feeling something's amiss,
One wakes up asking
What day is this?
The date on the calendar catches the eye,
Ho Hum
How boring
The Fifth of July.
Most people enjoyed their fun-filled day,
Hard workers know the importance of play.
But the facts of life are unforgiving
Time to go back to making a living.
But for some there is a serious void
They are numbered among the unemployed.
We were doing so well,
Who burst the bubble,
We got rid of the king, now what's the trouble?
The unscrupulous businessman who cares not for the poor
He has plenty of money but is hungry for more.
The poor are the brawn, we are the brains
We take all we can get, they can have what remain.
The corporate giants too, always want more
They care not a thing for the plight of the poor.
No help from the Congress we carefully selected
Oh, they think their main job is to get re-elected.
The rich give them money for their campaigns
The rich give them money for political gains.
If they're not repaid when the campaign is through
The lobbyist steps in to see that they do.
The political talk-show hosts have a trick
Tell political lies and hope that they stick.
When asked if they paid their government taxes
The corporate CEO sits back and relaxes.
No we don't pay takes, we send our regrets
We have business expenses like corporate jets.
The filthy rich we are called by the ranks
But we laundered our money in the cleanest of banks.
What about laws--aren't there controls?
We have corporate lawyers that sell their souls,
They help us devise a new Ponzi scheme
A new way to destroy the American dream
Trouble with those consumed by greed
They never have all they think they need.
Cheat your countryman, what have you got?
Designer clothes and a bigger yacht.
You can't take it with you, everyone knows
No pockets in the shrouds as the saying goes.
The way these financial wizards behave
Would make Thomas Jefferson turn in his grave.
We got rid of the king let's ged rid of the greedy
Be honest to all, be fair to the needy!
If this peaceable kingdom comes to pass by and by
We'll all celebrate the Fourth of July.
--Monica B. Owens