Independence Day

Our family was poor, in money but not in soul-

four kids like stepping stones, two dogs and a snake.

It's Independence Day, and having fun is our goal-

starting with a picnic, hot dogs and hamburger steak.


Watermelon-sticky kisses from a mother's young son;

a laughing father soaks his children with a water hose.

They all run to the creek, leaving mom and dad alone by one;

lazy afternoon, big hammock, books forgotten, eyes closed.


The day steams up, last whispers of cool silenced by heat.

The kids come back in from down on the creek's shore.

Dark clouds blowing in from the west, blue skies in retreat-

distant rumbles of thunder become angry bellows by four.


With worries of fireworks being drowned out by rain,

the family sits on the porch, watching natures light show.

Playing gin, hearts and spades as the storm starts to wane,

the adults have some beer as the kids get ready to go.


They pile in the van, all the kids sit in back;

excitement rises as they find their favorite spot.

The children play tag as the day fades to black-

they abandon the game when they hear the first shot.


With "ooos" and "ahhs" the family cries out its glee.

The stars and clusters lighting up the night sky.

Oh, these images of this day are precious to me-

Watermelon memories of that day long gone by.