POEM: Patriotic and proud, a ‘perfect’ parade

July 1, 2026

By Sue Shaw

Small Town Parade 

Every small-town parade should be

Held on a day such as this…

With white clouds piled in a sky of blue

And the sun as warm as a kiss.

When there’s just enough breeze to make the flags snap,

And the balloons and the fringes all flutter,

And to spread the sweet smell of ‘burgers and ‘dogs,

And corn, and melted butter!

On a day such as this when the tractors all shine,

Pulling floats full of neighbors and friends…

Folks wave and cheer, and it’s very clear

That they’ll do so until the parade ends!

It’s a wondrous day—with the Marshal ensconced

On an antique convertible throne….

Kids all run and leap, trying to catch

The candy and treats that are thrown!

Fire engines all sparkle…they’re cleaned up and bright….

The firemen (and women!) are all very proud….

Of the brass that is polished, equipment displayed…

Of the siren that’s turned up and loud!

We watch the scouts march, so proud with their flags,

We buy cookies supporting the school….

Cheer the Little league team on a pick-up truck…

New shirts make them feel very cool!

Then that perfect parade day will fade into dusk

And the show…patriotic and proud….

Of fireworks so bright at the front edge of night

Tops it off for the small town crowd!

Thus this day of traditions ends with color and flash…

And ‘ooohhhs’ and ‘aaahhhs’ at the sight…

And shows all the world that at least here and now,

Everything is all right…..

— Sue Shaw lives and writes in Penobscot.

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