Can't stop thinking about what used to be,
when July 4th was filled with pride and fun
in the land of the brave and the home of the free.

Picnics and fireworks we loved to see,
and red, white, and blue shining in the sun.
Can't stop thinking about what used to be.

There were birthday cakes in my family
along with hot dogs, hamburgers, and buns
in the land of the brave and the home of the free.

Our country celebrated, sea to sea,
colonies coming together as one.
Can't stop thinking about what used to be

when America still sought liberty
for all, and life held value over guns
in the land of the brave and the home of the free.

Today I worry for democracy.
We must not let all that's good be undone.
Can't stop thinking about what used to be
in the land of the brave and the home of the free.

~Elise Skidmore ©2022

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2 Comments

  1. Good one, Elise. Captures how we have seen so much that was good slip away as our democracy slid into oligarchy.