Free Fall to Freedom

Free Fall to Freedom

heat
builds up
in still air
twilight descends
to cricket medley
strawberry moon rises
on canvas of indigo
prelude to a celebration
sparks ignite, swirling red, white and blue
painting the night sky in patriot hues
fireworks explode across dark horizon
thunder of canons reverberates
hot ashes free fall to freedom
remembering soldiers lost
my heart thuds in my chest
pride reflects in tears
at the sight of
old glory
strong and
free

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2026
July 4, 2026

Happy 250^th Birthday, America! What a time to be alive ~ celebrating such a momentous occasion! I vividly remember when I was just 16 years old in 1976, celebrating the Bicentennial Celebration was a huge deal. That was before the advent of social media, streaming, Direct TV and the expansion of cable networks. Not only were there fireworks, parades and celebrations – but there was such a united spirit of patriotism joining everyone together. There was so much excitement and camaraderie! These days, it’s sad there is not the same unity there once was. There is so much to be proud of – our country, our heritage, the rich history of what we have been through, overcoming obstacles and progress that has been made.

I’ve been off on Wellness Week shutdown all week, except for working on Monday to run payrolls. We didn’t go anywhere this year, so it was just a staycation. We had planned to go into DC one day this week to see the monuments and displays, but the heat wave was incredibly brutal. The heat index was 113 here in Purcellville, which means it was much worse in the city. They even had to shut down the Great American State Fair on the mall at one point for safety reasons, so we declined to make a trek into the capital. What a shame, it looks like it was a magnificent celebration, and I wanted to see the lit-up Washington Monument. DC is such a special city to me, having grown up close enough to visit frequently, and working in downtown DC during the 80’s.

I didn’t realize how much I needed a week of no agenda, sleeping in, figuring out what we will do each day and just lounging by the pool at our country club. (I even started cleaning out my closet because of the heat  – shocking!) I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this relaxed, and it kind of gives me a little glimpse into what retired life might look like. And it looks very nice indeed. But I’m not ready to retire just yet…

I’ve got country style ribs in the crockpot to go with some corn on the cob for dinner. We plan to sit by the firepit tonight and watch the Franklin Park fireworks if the weather holds up. Hopefully we won’t melt in the heat at 9:30 pm. Today I’ll just hibernate in the AC, and maybe tomorrow we’ll hit the pool one more time before I roll back into a busy work week. Hope you all have a Happy July 4 and enjoy celebrating our nation’s 250^th birthday! xoxo

Love,
Colleen

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 1.18 – Old Glory
Hard Bonus: Include something you might find at a BBQ or cookout (strawberry)
Easy Bonus: Incorporate fireworks