I. The Fourth: United We Stand
The Androscoggin unfurled to the left of the dike-
'fish-curing place' the Algonquians called it, (sez
Britannica) - more calmly nearer the bridge.
Flailing canvas capped the bandstand across
the way, a parched breeze creasing the river's surface.
The Sun lurked, winding
down for the day, yielding like an emcee to the
Main Event, sprinkling
confetti upon a family of Loons.
A small girl makes clods of
mulch, harassing
big sister, demanding her 'horsie ride.' One vet
limped by, 'Korea' his cap proudly hailed, stopped to
chat with another, folding his
director's chair for the 'bug-out, ' after
the consultation. Both girls were playing horsey by then,
astride Daddy and the
BK bag. 'Don't crawl! ' Dad ordered. Two older girls
brought their own morning glories. The vets
remained Calm, among
-small-town bodies-
-indoor tans