To kick off July, a poem by John Updike.

Bang-bang! Ka-boom!
We celebrate
Our national
Independence date,

The Fourth,
with Firecrackers and
The marching of
The Legion Band.

America:
It makes us think
Of hot dogs, fries,
and Coke to drink.

The shade is hot
The little ants
Are busy, but
Poor Fido pants

And Tabby dozes
In a pool
Of fur she sheds
To keep her cool.

—John Updike