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Poems and Thoughts by Frank Maurer

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Our Semisesquincentenial opus 913

14 August 2026 1839 Hours Memories, California, Custom, Family, Youth
It is the 250th birthday of our nation.
This is my second 50th; the other was 1976.
Unless one lives over 100-years-old,
So few have ever seen more than two 50ths.
On my farm, we would all gather on our berm,
To view distant displays in Woodland and Davis,
Or launch our canoe on the pond with fireworks.
Time has passed and I will be 85 next month.
I am no longer able to walk in the dark
To make my way to the pond or the berm.
So that I might remember, I made my way to the porch
To listen for the fireworks in distant Woodland and Davis.
Wonderful memories which stir my heart.
May our government be stable and resilient
To survive another 250 years in spite of those
Who would attempt to destroy or take her down.
I am only sad I will not be here to help fight
To maintain this most enlightened experiment 
Of governments.