If my father, who died 31 years ago, were still alive, he would be 94 today. When I was a child, he told me the July 4th fireworks were set off to celebrate his birthday. I believed him.
Happy birthday, Dad. And happy birthday to the United States of America. May we always be free.
Freedom won
sacrifices made
blood poured out.
Yet we trash the land
with selfishness and ingratitude
in the form of litter,
pollution,
and toxic waste.
Forgive us,
dear forefathers,
our reckless disregard
of all you considered worthy
of sacrifice.
Forgive us,
dear Father God,
our careless disrespect
of all You considered worthy
of creating.
-- Hana Haatainen Caye
©2011
