July 4th, 2025, Big Bear Lake, California - July 4, 2025

They’re planning a demonstration today

to protest the famous fireworks display

on a large barge in the middle of the lake,

afraid the two bald eaglets that fledged

might freak and fly away when the rockets

and bomblets start bursting in the night air

I’m interested to know what combat

veterans and many dogs must think

giving two baby eagles a platform, when

they’ve shook and sweated for years

in the farthest recesses of the house

and betting

that mom and dad are already thinking

about chasing those rowdy kids away