Ode to the Fourth of July, 2018

Ode to the Fourth of July, 2018

Today the President suddenly acts all historical

While the immigrants on the border are hysterical

And divisions run rampant from sea to shining sea

Saying I must hate you and you must hate me

Philosophy that can’t be beat

In any town on any street

Black and white discrimination

Still flares up across the nation

While talking to the Russian oligarchs

Republicans morph into commie pinko-loving Meadowlarks

Singing Trumpian praises day and night

While gearing up for the next Supreme fight

Tear it down, tear it apart

Till there’s nothing left

But ashes, dust, and broken hearts

As the dream that once was America the free

Becomes ever dimmer for you and for me

So, its O say can you see

And America, America

God sheds her grace on thee

No more

For Free press is now the target

For Second Amendment zealots

Leaving nothing but blood on the bullpen floor

Bodies torn asunder, faithful servants of truth slain

While emails of glee only add to the pain

Denials that racism still is a sin

As both Dems and GOP swill their whiskey and gin

Once upon “The mighty mother of a mighty brood,

Blessed in all tongues and dear to every blood,

The beautiful, the strong, and, best of all, the good.”*

Now Lady Liberty’s torch is losing its strong light

Happy Fourth to us all

And to all a good-night….

*(from Ode to the Fourth of July, 1876 – James Russell Lowell)