Highland Park, 4th of July
Pop-Pop-Pop-Pop-Pop-Pop-Pop
These are the time-honored sounds of the day
When independence was declared from British rule
More than two centuries ago.
But when those sounds filled the air today
In Highland Park, Illinois
There was nothing celebratory about them.
These sounds were the work of
A misdirected and dangerous young man
Who saw enemies rather than friends
And threats instead of countrymen.
America in 2022 is not like it was back in 1776.
Modern weaponry is available
and far too readily
To inflict a measure of suffering and death
That would sicken anyone familiar with the reign of King George III.
May the lives that were transformed
and even cut short
Today in Highland Park
Remind us all that explosions can summon forth
The cries which should not be heard, And the blood which should not be shed.
