America has seldom in it’s history been a “kumbaya” kind of place. There have been moments, of course; times of joy that have brought us together despite our differences, but any land of free ideas and free speech is bound to be a land of contention. If more than one American is present at anyplace in any moment then there will likely be those who will and those who won’t, those that do and those that don‘t.

The coming together of Americans following our WWII victory allowed for a brief drunken fiesta lasting about 12 hours and then the debates were back whole-heartedly; Russia, Korea, McCarthy, Russia, Vietnam, school segregation, Elvis, Civil Rights, Kennedy assassination, Russia, women’s rights, Hippie movement, busing, King assassination, The Beatles, Russia, Manson murders, Roe vs. Wade, Watergate, Muhammad Ali, Libya, Drug Wars, Russia, rap, Panama, Iraq, Iran, Oklahoma bombing, Snowden, Afghanistan, Cuba, China, Russia, Trump, etc., etc., etc.

To think that our times are any worse or better than any other is pretty vain. Yes, we get passionate, but so did our parents and our grandparents get passionate. They also had a dream for tomorrow. The vision for this great country is constantly changing, and that is it’s innate beauty. The masses ebb and flow over the “next big thing” with a toe in the water, testing whether it is safe to dive in while the extremists on either side attempt to sway them.

It is why freedom of speech is so important. Those debates are what makes America great. Yes, passions can spill over… once to the point of all out war, but goodness always comes of it. Always. The better vision always prevails, even if it is not always your vision.

So today… relax. Hang a flag. Grab a dog and a lemonade. Crank some ice cream. Watch a ballgame. Attend a fireworks show. And while watching the bombs burst over our flag, think of those whose struggles ended as they attempted to make her a better place no matter which side of which argument they stood on, and take a little pride in being one of them.

And for heaven’s sake, if you are so sure that all of your views are absolutely right, then maybe this America is not the place for you? Your neighbor likely believes otherwise… so let’s quit the argument and put it to a vote.

God Bless America.

We all at times

shed the tears of true pain

yes they’re bitter,

they’re potent

and they’re real.

But we do not give in

for there’s always a hope,

to transform

to redeem,

and to heal.

So take hold of the reins

do not succumb!

for true pain never dies

it sleepeth ...

As my view became clearer, I realized where I was. The dark ebony woodwork on the ceiling embedded with glittery tiles could only be a disastrous architectural choice unique to the one person who slept comfortably in front of me. What took a while to catch my eye was a movement next to the window. Summer had just begun; the light cold wind fluttered the grey curtains. After looking around, I moved closer towards the window only to pass through something that made me feel like being torn apart. I turned around to see the silhouette; a shadow that made its way to the bed. It stood next to the sleeping man; almost like it was hovering over him.

A criminal? A robber? A murderer? A psychopath? A ghost? Why here?

I had so many questions and so little answers. My screams seemed to go unheard and my presence was unnoticed. The shadow pulled back the hood revealing a familiar face, a hint of sadness mixed with the overwhelming desire to destroy whatever was in front of him. That was what I could make out of his expression.

I have to stop him. I have to stop him before he does anything foolish.

I immediately grabbed his hand, only to realize I couldn't touch him. I tried so many times but in vain. I turned around and hit the wall in frustration; the thud echoing through the room. I turned around at the rustling of the duvet.

What have I done? Elias, you should run for the window. Elias you should run!

I pushed him but in vain. Christopher, the man on the bed, sat up.

"I told you not to come here? You're making this difficult for the both of us!" Christopher spoke, a lot calmer than you would expect a person being threatened with a knife to their throat to be.

"You told me everything would be fine. It's not. I have nightmares", Elias said as he buried his face in Christopher's chest.

"Don't worry. I will sort everything out", he replied ruffling his hair.

There's no way Christopher and Elias...

*Knock Knock*

I followed as the two immediately made their way out of the room. Christopher made sure the three doors in the living room were locked and opened the main door.

Christopher was a colleague of mine with an incomprehensible interest in my personal life.

The police officers stepped in, and shoved a warrant in Elias's face.

"You're under arrest on suspicion of murder and kidnapping", the officer said pulling out his handcuffs and walking to Elias.

No, not like this. It isn't over until...

I walked to the door to the basement and with whatever strength I had, I pushed it hard. The lock fell off, alerting the second officer, who held out his gun and rushed to the door. The other followed. I looked at the familiar environment, a faint smell of newly opened paint and grease covered the room. I moved to stand beside the commercial refridgerator in the corner. One of the officers was quick enough to catch up. They threw open the lid, pulling me out. This was why I was here. I have been here for way longer than just a few hours.

Elias was my lover.

"There's no pulse", the officer repeated over his walkie. Christopher had grabbed his hunting rifle from the garage and the officer had acted rather swiftly. He collapsed on the ground. Elias rushed to him. I glanced at the cold body on the floor one last time.

At least I was found.