The Hatch Shell

I rowed from Cambridge where
my scull was slapped by the wake
of the long boats from MIT and Harvard

then   dodged the hodgepodge of
tiny sloops in the lower basin
competing and sharing the venue

along the bank   in my "own" space
    I drifted

flags waving from the shore spoke of the night

the Esplanade was awash with revelers
so many flags moved and reflected 
off the lazy waves and celebrated
to the hum of strings straining to tune

the Anthem was the birthday hymn

The Stars and Stripes Forever
wrestled with my recollections
of "Web- Footed Friends"

Until Longfellow's soul hovered - smiling
and Tchaikovsky's gift reverberated

shell and cannon echoed over the Charles 
and through the city spires

in the brilliant sky  colors danced with
each embellished percussion
candles for THE birthday and
wishes for peace  was in the hearts
of all who shared

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019



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Date: 8/1/2019 7:26:00 AM
Love the movement in this one, Craig: Lots of atmosphere and especially loved the invocation of Longfellow and Tchaikovsky. Good to be reading your work again. SuZ
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