July 4th Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

That independence many are given,
To benefit with entitlements...
Has July 4th and its meaning,
Taken for granted...
Flipping meat on heated grills and pits.

Celebrated as the birth,
Of American independence from Great Britain...
Since 1776.
But actually it was July 2nd,
When the Continental Congress...
Voted to favor independence.
And on July 4th,1776 history was made,
With Thomas Jefferson's signature...
On a drafted document.

And here we sit today,
Spending millions on fireworks, meat and booze.
With a declaring our racial biases over petty issues.
While splitting into divisions in protest of kept beliefs,
To forget those who fought to lose their lives...
As inner conflicts and violence freely roams on the streets.

Disrespect has risen to hyped up heights to sell.
And a unity that could exist,
Has turned lives with thoughts of good deeds to do...
Pursuing to purchase weapons,
To prevent their choice of isolation from being abused.
And yet on July 4th...
There will be the usual celebrated festivities,
From fireworks, family gatherings and favorite recipes...
With suggestions recommended,
How best to cook hotdogs, hamburgs...
And other seasoned meat to do it properly.