At Twilight's Last Gleaming (Independence Day) Poem by R B Seals

Launched at twilight's fade, the
mesmeric, multi-colored glow
of timed pyrotechnics fills the
sky, basking all below with the
awesome, sparkling radiance
of stars bursting in evening air—
the magic of wonder, of glorious
pride and vibrancy of celebration
brushed in dazzling detail against
the succinct backdrop of a sun-
lost, darkened canopy.

For all present, the pounding
reverberations echo through city
streets and surrounding country-
side; the scent of burnt powder
seeming to enhance the experience.
For many, the feeling of awe,
pride in community, and even a
sense of reverence is deeply felt,
coursing through each person,
settling succinctly, graciously
within our souls and our psyche.
And feeling patriotic for a time,
we feel good about ourselves.

And during this joyful holiday,
we welcome and embrace the rising
crest of jubilation, recalling the birth
of a nation, undaunted: the crucial
events that formed its foundation,
the resulting cause and lasting effect
of noble ideas and sacrifices that laid
down a unique and remarkable path
to this moment in our history; indeed,
this time, this place, this special night
we share—on American soil.