Land Of The Free

I might not show it sometimes, but I am very proud to be an American girl.

We're so lucky to have what we have.

I feel I'd fit in more with Europe, but the USA will always be my home.

This rich land stretches so far and wide!

Even today, I find myself getting lost in it's beauty.

I also have very much to see in my own country.

As I am typing this, fireworks are exploding outside my window.

Happy children are biking around my neighborhood, racing the glittering sparks.

A family who moved into a house across the street last summer, recently moved out.

Now there are two new people and a dog living there.

I've never seen so much evolving and change in that little house.

Without change, life would be boring.

Change is life.

Life is change.

America it's self was a change.

We as a nation are in a wonderful place.

Sure we've had problems and struggles, but that's what makes us great.

We've come a very long way.

To be living in freedom is an enormous gift.

Freedom is not free and each day we take so much for granted.

We get to wake up in the morning and not have to worry about bombs exploding.

We don't have to hide or live in fear.

We can be who we want to be.

It doesn't matter what race or religion we are.

We are simply free.

Each year, the 4th of July brings us together.

Some of my favorite memories have happened on this holiday weekend.

The smell of firework smoke.

The excited shrieks of children.

People coming from far and near to the park to watch the noisy show.

Reunions are had.

Food is eaten.

Endless joy and laughter rings through the sky.

Anyone could get drunk off the sweet summery air.

I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC a few summers ago.

Though most of it is heart wrenching, I love America's history.

The memorials, and museums bring magic and life to the city.

Abraham Lincoln himself is still sitting majestically in his big white chair overlooking us.

The Vietnam Memorial is the one thing that took my breath away.

I couldn't help but wonder about the names I read.

People may see an ongoing list of first and last names on the wall..

but I see so much more.

I see individual men and women.

Men and Women who have stories of their very own.  

They were people who loved.

People who had a family of their own.

People who had heartbreaks and first kisses.

People who were scared. 

People who were born into a life almost like ours. 

We owe more than we can give.

I hope you enjoy this Independence Day Weekend!

Enjoy the crackling fireworks and sparklers!

Accept your bliss.

Relax and be carefree for a second or two.

Life is short!

But always remember one thing:

We're living in the land of the free

The home of the brave.

Our future looks bright.

If not, we have children we must keep it bright for.  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ikAxJqeLl8

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree.
"We're living in the land of the free
The home of the brave."
Thank you for the positive poem for the USA. I saw places where freedom had never been known. Good to be in the USA.
Coyote

[Robert]

This is a great country and you have expressed it so well in this piece and how much the country and this holiday means to you. There has been too many that's have sacrificed for this county so it can and stay free. Thank you for this piece Kathryn, well said.

[wordman]

a beautiful tribute,we have a lot to be thankful for,great write and photos