Freedom in America

Fireworks with Lee Greenwood* and Eminem*

(Battle of Radios)

An excited young family of five sat

in lawn chairs, AM synched to the show’s

music as patriotic fireworks splayed perfectly.

Lee Greenwood sang, “’Cause the flag still

stands for freedom and they can’t take that

away,” as red, white and blue stars lit

up the sky and warmed all hearts. Until

a group of loud teenagers drove up, radio blaring,

emitting smoke, rudely parked their cranked up

car by the family; was this a joke? Eminem belted,

“I don’t give a damn, what you think, I’m doing

this for me, so f....” The dad jumped out of his

seat turned his radio up, “’Cause there ain’t

no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.”

The fireworks were growing bigger, beautiful

colors everywhere. All around were oohs and aahs,

the grand finale was near. The rebels danced

and laughed, turned their music even louder.

“Everybody come take my hand we’ll walk this road

together, through the storm.” At the same time,

even louder like a tug of war melody. “I’m proud

to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”

Freedom. 

That’s America.

@laurie kolp

*God Bless the USA, Lee Greenwood

*Not Afraid, Eminem

Prompt inspiration: Poets United Thursday Think Tank