Almost Independence Day

Nicotine is one of few
addictions that I choose
to keep, and it could only be
change that led and left me
to become a rebel of fierce gravity
just pulls you along
into the on and on
of what just about everything
is wrong with this scene

And I want to believe that it
is almost Independence Day again...

My Triumph America is ticking
underneath me, the engine is silent
as I watch the hearse rolling
down Main Street, and the only
those that seem to notice are those
caught in behind the traffic
of who and what truly matters
to themselves--alone
Sometimes, peace seems merciless.

And I want to believe that it
is almost Independence Day again...

As the children are tucked away
in a place that we must believe is safe,
and my heart longs for the day--
a want for memorae, perpetually moving away
when a child could live and play,
breathing free in the open air.
Their only care and concern might be
a natural adoration for a summer breeze;
and a place and time to be perfect
ripe for the idle-wile discovery
of new everyday adventures
in America.

And I want to believe that it
is almost Independence Day again...

Though I do not know
how to give it back, a hold
those treasure, free and dear
of being a boy, without any fear
Of what the world around them
was becoming so unclear--
dragging the boogeyman out
into the limelight, and
making him a superstar
on a 24 hour a day news--
the kill stats never lie
so much as the camera's eye
paints a picture, like stain
on the soul that will not go away

And I pray
that is almost Independence Day again...

As the town-hall and old churches mark
the hours and minutes in between--
whether to be vigilant or to live in dread
of what may become real next, and how many dead
the tides will sweep along
those long mad corridors, of on and on
as our children walk outside, across the lawn
farther away a world that seems to be gone.

And Lord how I pray
that it is almost Independence Day again.

Uley