The Challenge, with the 4th of July around the corner, write a poem, or a short story of 100 words, about the U.S.A.
We’ll showcase the top two challenge responses in our newsletter. And the best part, you, our readers, decide who wins. The two entries with the highest number of likes will be declared the winners. You’ll have until Sunday or Monday to post your response. Once we lock the thread, we’ll reveal the two writing champions and their entries! Are you up to the challenge? I’ll kick it off.
Natural-born Americans are ignorant and blind. The Fourth of July has always been ours. Yes, we fly the flag, play the Star Spangle Banner and thank veterans for their service. But we didn’t earn the Fourth of July. An immigrant who jumped through the legal hoops and paid thousands of dollars to get a Green Card and become a citizen. They earned the Fourth of July. They chose to lower the flag of their birth and follow the Stars and Stripes. We pledge allegiance to the flag with words—immigrants with their souls.
The tantalizing aroma of grilled meats filled the air as the family gathered around the grill. Children’s laughter blended with the meaty sizzle on hot grates.
“Pass the sauce, would ya?” Uncle Jack called out, his booming voice carrying over the chatter.
Aunt Martha, her face flushed from the heat, handed him the bottle with a smile. “Sure thing, Jack. Just like freedom, it’s a little spicy.”
As their laughter mingled with the sounds of distant fireworks, the red, white, and blue decorations fluttered in the gentle breeze. More than a family barbecue, they were celebrating Independence Day—their nation’s birth.
from Margaret D. Stetz
“Independence”
The history I learned
began in
bursts of gunfire
a blunderbuss
then musket
that obliterated
tomahawks
the volleys
sending British cannons fleeing
ships flaming at Fort Sumter
pistols, rifles sailing
Over There
a cloud of vapor
at Hiroshima
napalm burning villages
our peace and freedom
measured in artillery,
explosions.
My childhood toys
were cap guns
and every Fourth
the cherry
bombs
that pitted
gardens, sidewalks
whistling rockets
in the night sky
gave me cover
as I crept into
my parents’ bedroom
sliding the drawer
where lay a dark
revolver
that I raised
in tiny
shaking hands—
my Independence Day?
Closed Minds and Blind Eyes
Natural-born Americans are ignorant and blind. The Fourth of July has always been ours. Yes, we fly the flag, play the Star Spangle Banner and thank veterans for their service. But we didn’t earn the Fourth of July. An immigrant who jumped through the legal hoops and paid thousands of dollars to get a Green Card and become a citizen. They earned the Fourth of July. They chose to lower the flag of their birth and follow the Stars and Stripes. We pledge allegiance to the flag with words—immigrants with their souls.
AMERICA OF OUR DREAM
Is this the America of our dream?
George Wash'n cannot believe his eyes
When the father's took the vote
And the queenly crown struggled to assuage his diarrhea.
What we see now is not our plan
Not again shall we be shackled by another man.
See John Adams and the two James, Madison and Munroe recoil
Even Benjamin Franklin is shaking his whiskers in fear
That America is fast declining and doomed.
Fourth or Second of July doesn't matter
We shall build the America of our dreams
Where fearless love and liberty presides.
Strength!
Courage!
Godly fear!
Shall be restored
Yet no man shall make America afraid.
- IME ESHIET
Independence?
Doug Hawley
Independence from addiction to painkillers and alcohol?
From wars in which we are the aggressors and resulted in thousands of deaths?
From the military/industrial complex a military man and former president warned us against?
From the binary political parties neither of which possess much of the truth?
From the internal dissent which now merely leads to minor violence, but could lead to insurrection affecting France and other countries?
From the hatred of others based not on themselves but on their religion, nationality, or ethnicity?
Do you pledge allegiance to a former president who attempted to regain the presidency by fraud?
This one is 100 words not including title.
Spicy Freedom
The tantalizing aroma of grilled meats filled the air as the family gathered around the grill. Children’s laughter blended with the meaty sizzle on hot grates.
“Pass the sauce, would ya?” Uncle Jack called out, his booming voice carrying over the chatter.
Aunt Martha, her face flushed from the heat, handed him the bottle with a smile. “Sure thing, Jack. Just like freedom, it’s a little spicy.”
As their laughter mingled with the sounds of distant fireworks, the red, white, and blue decorations fluttered in the gentle breeze. More than a family barbecue, they were celebrating Independence Day—their nation’s birth.
A "surprise mind" style poem -Moe Phillips
Ticker tape jammed
With cracker crumbs
Headlines roar
Red, white and blue
Peach flavored crayons
Scribble answers
For anyone left who can read
Uncle Sam is on the lam
On a midnight run to Palookaville
Lady Liberty a carnival barker
Selling half price tickets on the midway
The check is NOT in the mail
School bells replaced by smoking guns
Pickup trucks circle like wagons,
On tornado blasted meadows
Drag queens painted with vampire blood
Parade across freedom’s stage
The mob rushes in to tear down
The false gods who’ve arrived
Under foreign flags.
Home of the brave has moved.
So.... here is one with 99 words, if you include the title.
Freedom’s Needs
Freedom whispers softly in the soft wind.
Unsuspecting of one demising sin.
Unable to speak for itself or any other.
A concept derived in minds of people.
Sometimes caught, trashed, trampled by politics.
In the name of what is right or so wrong.
Without a thought about consequences.
With it we travel far, wide, with calm eyes.
Without it we live in constant, cold fear.
Constantly looking to see who is near.
A need to be groomed, fertilized, secured.
Growth impossible without constant care.
Here today, gone tomorrow, a real threat.
Protecting it so our heritage lives.