Independence Day

 "God Bless America"

a wide eyed boy

exclaims proudly

patriotically waving his flag

almost deserving enough to be

placed at the door of the White House

then his mouth shuts

eyes move to another

and i notice

unknowingly

he praises a man he does not know

he has him sanctify a country

where not all unite

to embrace their freedom

where some enjoy abusing it

because all he hears

are three compelling words

dignifiedly spoken

on his country's birthday

without any regret to give

only appreciation

to his home

his haven

America