Fourth of July

Early in the morning
in a breath of fresh odors,
birds trying a few grace notes,
I stepped from the country of sleep
into the promise given by this day.
My country’s birthday.
Let the eagle soar again over
crows and sparrows yammering
in public places.

America, America, my conscience blushes
for the pitchmen, shills, hucksters,
medicine men with red-white-and-blue
star-spangled sideshows flying soiled
streamers in your name.

Solid oak beams support my house,
my roadside blooms with native wild roses.