July

By John Updike
A Child’s Calendar

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.