Reflections on the 4th

Viewing stands are being removed,
And cleaning crews are recovering sidewalks
That hours ago were strewn with evidence
Of yesterday’s revelry.

Unlike less prosperous towns across this land,
There is something insanely retro,
A quality reminiscent of a 1955 movie,
That suggests a surreal security bubble envelopes the village.

Visitors tripled Coronado’s population for a day,
And left with a picture postcard’s image
That freezes parks, walks, beach, and ice cream
Into a fairyland populated by happy, healthy Americans.

If there is a different truth,
One that allows for uncut lawns,
It will be overwhelmed by flags and marching bands
And not be noticed.

My instinct
To uncover things small and mean
And satisfy a cynical compulsion
Will observe a day’s rest and enjoy the fiction.