Crackles burst upon the bright sky,
a little girl watched fireworks fly.
She held a flag in one small hand,
and twirled her toes within sand.

The night was loud with cheer and song,
but deep inside something felt wrong.
She looked above, past bursts of light,
to find a star both still and bright.

She closed her eyes, her fingers curled,
and whispered soft “Dear star, dear world,
I wish that people far and near,
could speak with kindness, not with fear.
Let grown-ups laugh, and not divide,
though they may stand on different sides,
let them all see with gentle eyes,
not just with flags or angry cries.”
“Oh star,” she said, “if you are kind,
please plant peace deep in every mind,
They do not all have to agree,
to live with hope in harmony.”

She did not ask for dolls or gold,
or secrets wrapped in stories told.
Her wish was simple, soft, and true,
for hearts to open to new views.

The rockets soared, the moon looked down,
the star she chose wore a gold crown.
Although her wish was small and light,
it danced with freedom in the night.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

💕Happy Fourth of July to all!!! Enjoy and be safe!!! 💕