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