Old Glory blows over the Back Cove. Secured to a winter stick, the American flag billows in all its red, white and blue splendor above the tidal basin reflecting the intensity of the summer cloudless,blue, blue sky. "Let freedom ring," it announces to all passing on the foot path or driving US 295.
Stillness speaks loudly today as I take to the walkway. A few bicyclists pass without a sound but for an occasional muffled conversation. Birds chatter announcing the berries that are ripe and ready for plucking from the shrubs. They will be intoxicating in another month. It seems like just yesterday that this same foliage was in full springtime bloom. There is a hum in the grass brought about by bugs and caterpillars.
And the many wild flowers that rim the water line add a punch of color to this blue-green paradise. There are names for all , but I only know rose ragosa, Queen Anne's Lace, Black Eyed Susan's and two different blooms in shades of periwinkle and royal blue. I am reminded of a line from a Wordsworth poem: "I cast to earth a seed, Up there came a flower, The people said a weed." 
Isn't it always in the eye of the beholder?
And the many wild flowers that rim the water line add a punch of color to this blue-green paradise. There are names for all , but I only know rose ragosa, Queen Anne's Lace, Black Eyed Susan's and two different blooms in shades of periwinkle and royal blue. I am reminded of a line from a Wordsworth poem: "I cast to earth a seed, Up there came a flower, The people said a weed." 
Isn't it always in the eye of the beholder?And finally, let us praise the blossom laden linden trees that rim the basin and their sweet, sweet scent permeating the air in this urban oasis. Not a department store perfumery, merely nature at work doing what nature does best.
My Back Cove walk is one of solitude on this July 4th. Even the water is becalmed as the ducks and other water fowl have yet to return . One sole seagull glides effortl
esely over the placid sea. A person experiencing the quietness is tucked into a private space on the shore. It is the calm before the storm.
esely over the placid sea. A person experiencing the quietness is tucked into a private space on the shore. It is the calm before the storm.Precisely at the hour of dusk, cars begin to stream on to the Boulevard and quickly fill in the parking spaces. People pour out of the vehicles with folding chairs and coolers in hand. Positions on the grass between the footpath and very high tide are staked out and the waiting game for the 9:00 pm fireworks begins. I am perched on higher ground and have a birds eye view of this Independence Day practice. It is all surprisingly quiet as everyone has their eyes glued to the East End beach skies awaiting the first burst in the black sky. Before the curtain goes up on that show, sparklers provide a swirling light infused rim to the 3.5 mile circumference of the water line. Just a peak of what's to come.
As the sun sets, a hush shrouds the area. Black stillness envelopes us as we wait with great anticipation that first boom and the ensuing display of dancing light. It begins... and for thirty minutes we are captivated by the magical show in the sky that is such a part of all July 4th celebrations. FIREWORKS! They ignite the child in us all. And sparklers! I still delight in waving them about. Always save the best for the last seems to be Rule 101 of pyrotechnics. We are not disappointed and applause ripples through the air as the last spark of light falls into Casco Bay. The finale to another celebration of our many freedoms.
LET FREEDOM RING. OH BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKY. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
