The 5th of July

For a day our world stops turning,

Stars and stripes burning up the skies,

In hopes we can put things aside,

Just for one day.

Just for one day, we'll guzzle down beers,

Cheer and try to silence the fear that

We are not who we pretend to be.

We are not detainers kept on retainer by rich, unconvicted, felons.

We are Ford Pick-Up Trucks, Bald Eagles, and Watermelon.

We are not those who pass by, hardly bat an eye at the sight of a black guy being beaten down by those who are sworn to protect him.

We are a international symbol of justice. If only just to us.

We are not hypocrites nor fakers, merely movers and shakers, asking for favors, because market research shows that we like a variety of flavors.

Even if we prefer cherry.

But are we really so far divided or is it simply those on either side who fight loudest?

Boasting to be the proudest, but shutting out those who won't fall in line.

So I ask now, what of the 5th of July?

Do we simply return to our lives of never ending facebook fights?

Lock away children, turning a blind eye, because Kim K just went live.

Pour our sorrows into memes, and the web of lies that we spin for ourselves online,

I love you, America, but in the midst of our teenage years,

remember that what brought us here is more than clear,

that the Great Experiment will persevere and love will conquer fear,

as long as you are here,

America.