Danielle N. Calhoun

JOHNATHAN’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Is it really the 4th of July;
man the years just seem to fly

I remember times
when I was small

parades and parties
and fireworks galore

now I am grown
with a child of my own

who jumps at the sound
and cries at the sight

of a firework going off
and it’s not that late

Tonight

sleeping now
in the comfort
of his bed

as alone I try to enjoy
the televised soirée

the fireworks and music
the dances and songs

None of it seems to matter
so much as it did a long time ago

I hope as he grows
my little man

will be able to enjoy

the 4th of July
as I once did