It is 2018
And I am not seeing fireworks
For the 4th of July this year.
I protested that it's too hot.
Here's the real reason:
They are gorgeous.
They are awe-inspiring.
And they are a lie.
We spend thousands of dollars
On these sparkling
Reminders of patriotism
While what those patriots
Died for
Is crumbling to dust.
Exploding in the sky and burning out.
Why do we celebrate
What is dying in front of us?
We cherish this democracy
And when it comes time to vote -
We choose not to.
We say,
"I don't agree with either one!"
That's not democracy.
That is elitism.
We argue on social media endlessly
Over what are and aren't human rights
But when the time comes to elect
Those who will decide these rights,
We don't take half an hour
Out of our Tuesdays.
The truth is that we shouldn't waste
Our time and money and pizazz
Celebrating patriots long dead.
The patriots we should be celebrating
Are ourselves.
We are the ones with a chance
To make a change.
And we don't deserve fireworks
Until we get out of our lawn chairs
And fight like our ancestors did
On this hallowed ground.
YOU ARE READING
Survive: Collected Poems
Poetry~WATTY'S 2019~ ~NOTICE~ AS OF 2/3/19, THIS COLLECTION HAS TOO MANY PARTS! READ VOLUME 2, THRIVE, OUT TODAY! On the pain, love, and passion that makes me human. Potential swearing, mentions of suicide, self harm, depression, rape, etc.
