The day after the 4th of July

It is the day after the 4th of July.

Where were the bands that go marching by?

Where were the flags that fly so high,

That we watched as they unfurled?

These are the things I used to see,

When I was a little girl.

I sat on the curbside as hours went by,

To wait for the flags that flew so high.

Years ago my dad carried the flag as he lead the parade.

He was such a proud man.

When we saw the flag, we knew it was him.

And behind him came the bands.

It was exciting way back then,

To see our colors fly high.

But, yesterday things were so different.

I waited to hear the bands once again.

But, there were no bands to be found.

The only flags I saw that day,

Were the ones on our property grounds.

I wish I could go back in time,

To the days that were happy and fun.

I guess that will never come about,

So, I’ll live with my memories unsung.

Shirley Binkley

Cedar View Apartments

shrobi53@gmail.com