THE FIREWORKS BLAZE
On this 4th of July, the fireworks blaze,
Yet shadows of doubt obscure the haze.
A nation divided, in struggle and fight,
Each voice clamoring in the dead of night.
Democracy teeters, on a fragile thread,
As freedom’s promise is often misread.
Injustice and prejudice, like storms, rage,
Threatening to tear our history’s page.
Yet in the midst of turmoil and fear,
There lies a hope, a vision clear.
A land where every soul is free,
Living in harmony, as we’re meant to be.
Freedom’s a gift, but a sword as well,
Its double edge, a story to tell.
It can uplift, or it can divide,
Depending on how it’s applied.
On this 4th of July, let’s pledge anew,
To the ideals that see us through.
A land of freedom, brave and true,
Where justice reigns for me and you.
What hope do YOU see for our nation? How can YOU be a part of the solution?
YOU WILL NEVER BE FREE UNTIL YOU FREE YOURSELF FROM THE PRISON OF YOUR FALSE THOUGHTS – GOD
My Commentary:
This powerful reflection on the Fourth of July captures the tension between celebration and conscience. While fireworks light up the sky, the poem reminds us that beneath the spectacle lies a deeper struggle: the soul of a divided nation wrestling with its promises.
The founding ideals of liberty and justice for all were revolutionary not just in political terms, but in moral and spiritual ones. Yet, as the poem points out, those ideals are fragile—easily distorted, easily betrayed. Freedom, as described here, is not merely a banner to wave but a responsibility to uphold. It is a double-edged sword: when wielded with justice, it liberates; when driven by selfishness or prejudice, it wounds.
Still, the poem offers hope—not naïve optimism, but a vision anchored in renewal. It calls us not to retreat in cynicism or wave flags in denial, but to pledge anew to the true heart of democracy: dignity, equality, and unity. The 4th of July becomes not just a date of historical triumph, but a spiritual summons to live up to the ideals we inherited.
The quote at the end—”You will never be free until you free yourself from the prison of your false thoughts”—serves as a sobering reminder that true freedom starts within. As long as we are imprisoned by fear, division, and prejudice, the fireworks are just noise. But when hearts are set free by truth and love, the nation can begin to heal.
My Prayer Reflection:
God of freedom and firelight,
On this day we remember the birth of our nation—
But more importantly, we remember the birth of its dream:
That all are created equal, and all deserve to live free.
We thank You for the sacrifices made,
The courage of those who dared to believe in justice,
And the enduring hope that flickers still.
Yet, Lord, we confess: we are a nation ablaze—
Not just with fireworks, but with fear and division.
We clamor for freedom, yet we forget our neighbor.
We wave flags, yet we ignore the cries of the hurting.
Free us, Lord—not just from tyranny,
But from the prisons we build in our own minds:
From hatred, from apathy, from false pride.
Let truth ignite us, let love guide us,
Let justice be the anthem we live—not just sing.
On this 4th of July, renew our pledge
To be not just a land of liberty,
But a people of compassion, humility, and peace.
Make us brave enough to heal.
Make us strong enough to serve.
Make us free enough to love. Amen.
There are 365 other poems I have written in A POEM A DAY TO PRAY 2025. People enjoy giving it as a gift. You can find it on Amazon.
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