A Fair Ground

God gives all men all earth to love,
    But since man’s heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
    Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
    The lot has fallen to me
In a fair ground—
   in a fair ground...


         --Rudyard Kipling


Kipling speaks of Sussex, in England, but those of us privileged with an American heritage may rightly claim this sentiment towards our own land. Despite the fact that Independence Day celebrations are typically no more than a BBQ with family and friends followed by an elaborate fireworks display in the evening, one cannot escape reflecting upon the greater significance of the day, and reaching a conclusion similar to Kipling's. It is a good place with much to be proud and glad of. For such a young country, she has a rich heritage and she is very fair indeed. Certainly she has flaws, but what if we only reflected a bit more upon our heritage, what if we only took a bit more pride in our country? Perhaps our greatest flaw is how often we grow careless and forgetful, even ungrateful, of what we have and so do not live accordingly.  One cannot help but wonder how many other flaws might be mended if it were not for this one.


There is not much excuse for how the little bird has disappeared for two months, other than the fact that she has had no late-night internet access these six weeks and has had to learn to sing in the day instead of at night. This is a good thing in the long run, health-wise at least, if in no other way.