Tizathee

I'm thrilled tonight to see the fiery sky
that celebrates
the nation's birth,
and feel the urge to name some reasons why
I'm proud.

Reminding me that bombs still burst in air
against the will
of those "we'd save"
doesn't make it easy to declare
I'm proud.

I didn't form our mountains majesty
or fruited plans,
so how can I
laud their creation in a homily,
I'm proud?

We know the famous bell has cracked that rang
out liberty.
For all? Not quite!
So were our fathers blind who loudly sang,
"I'm proud"?

I have no hesitation when I say
I'm glad to be
American.
But for advantages I have, no way
I'm proud.

That "pride" can mean conceit, or haughtiness
is oft-expressed
in how we act.
So I am cautious ever to confess
I'm proud.

But as this birthday lights the sky tonight
I say, "I'm glad."
We try. There's hope
some day we'll truly say, "All right!
I'm proud!"