Patriotic View (from my balcony)

By

This, my second July Fourth in Chicago, I was ready, set with camera on tripod to capture the spectacle.

The sheer volume and size of fireworks — many, I suspect, set off by enthusiastic individuals and not those with expertise and safety protocols — seemed a joyful release from our COVID captivity.

Maybe we can get through this. Maybe we can cure the nation.

Maybe we can stop the violence. Maybe we can create an environment of justice for all.

Every blast a bittersweet proclamation of possibilities.