THE FOURTH OF JULY. A Love Story.
I am not a history buff. When this poem poured out, it surprised me much more than it will surprise you! I loved writing the poem, I AM NOT A DAD, so I decided to continue the cadence theme. I read the Declaration of Independence. Yup, I really did! When I finished, I thought, wow, what took me so long? I’m so proud of our country. I’ve spent some time these past few days meditating on what it must have been like to be alive in 1776. I’m proud to be an American. After I read it, I dug a little deeper. That’s when I met Abigail. She was an opinionated, strong women (which I love), and I was swept into the love story between her and John Adams. This is the poem that became. This story is true. Enjoy. Happy Independence Day! God Bless America.
The Fourth of July. A Love Story.
Before the flash, the boom, and bang; before the parades, the floats, and flames; Years before the red, white, and blue defined our freedom and proudly flew; A courtship ensued, a story, a tale, of a man named John and a woman, Abigail. The dearest, wisest woman he knew, John’s love for her ran deep and true.
Now Abigail was quite a woman; saucy, smart, and determined. Fifteen years old when she met John, a tale of love, a marriage bond. With five children they were blessed, their love was rare and passionate. Their partnership became history, fighters for freedom and independency.
Years before July Fourth became clear, Independence was a dream, and Britain a fear. But a man stood up and made history; his firm clout defended our Liberty. Centuries past, independent we were not; governed by Britain, it was freedom we sought. It was John, you see, who stood up that day, in fearless pursuit of an independent way. He wrote it all down in a letter to mail; to his wife, his best friend, his Abigail. He told her it all, and she offered her thoughts, their union was worthy, rare, and sought.
A lawyer first, and a political man, his mission was wise, his purpose at hand. John traveled much, thou letters he wrote, to his lover, his wife, his one devote. Over one thousand penned in their lives, of flirtation, words, and sound advice. Abigail and John were confidantes, equal in mind and the love they sought.
Before fifty-six men though, crowded a table, where a parchment unrolled, inscribed with a label; Before John Hancock dipped his pen, to sign his name on the document within; the Declaration of Independence was written by five, Thomas and John were two of the scribes. Together five men debated and wrote a page to change lives, three centuries ago. Abigail was there, she was heard but unseen; John wrote her letters, describing the scene.
Before the raised glasses of whiskey, and beer, toasted the Equality we now hold dear; fifty-six men revolted Britain’s King, declaring all men Equal, Independent and Free. Thirteen colonies, these men represent, United to hold Truth as self-evident. In pursuit of Happiness and governing rights, they declared our Independence one warm July night. In a letter to Abigail, John wrote the good news celebrated by many, yet shared between two.
Abigail and John married fifty-four years, unbroken by death, and war, and fear. Separation was torment, they had to admit; yet uniting Our Country they swore to commit. John played a star role in our independence today. We salute every man who fought for this way.
Years passed before we saw pomp and flame, Independence was new, and life seemed unchanged. John wrote in his letters, a prediction you see, of fireworks and parades that one day would be. Independent and free we are to this day because of the men who declared it that way. A great story of Freedom, becomes history, recorded in books, displayed for all to see. Yet we cannot forget the story of two, who united with others to make this come true. When you whittle it down to what stirs you inside, it is love, always LOVE, that bring fireworks to life.
written by Lesley Casner
