Cloudy with a chance of tears

six in the morning I awake with a smile

to independence day

we hold hands in prayer around the kitchen table

as we  bless red, white and blue pancakes

soon we will find our way to the parade route

and claim three square feet that will hold our family of six

we will stand with hands over our hearts

in reverence for the symbol of our country's freedom

the flag will be carried by those who have known war

whose sacrifice gives us cause to celebrate

and I will cry

I always do