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By Mark I. Kirkmeyer || Poem Categories

Rockets Red Glare country as flag
Independence Day is coming
My heart fills with despair knowing
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
Are approaching

I survived in that other world
Trained automatically to react
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
Find cover man weapons

I shun that other world
It has scarred me and I shun
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
Knowing the great costs

Independence Day has become
Full on drinking and passing out before
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
Muscles relaxed, mind numbed

Few times money drove me out
Delivering pizzas just making cash
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
Car door opens I roll free

I hate this time of year
Loving all it stands for but hating
Rockets red glare
Bombs bursting in air
The sharp crack of gunpowder
I can't embrace the quintessence of the day
By Mark I. Kirkmeyer
Copyright 2006
Listed January 9, 2013

About Author... Mark Kirkmeyer served as a Light Weapons/Medical Specialist in the U.S. Army (1983-88), the U.S. Army Reserve (1988-1992), and the California National Guard (1992-1995). He is Gulf War Veteran (1991) and served in Korea (1986-87).

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