It is a myth that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. The fact is that the official vote actually took place two days earlier, but the “Declaration” was published on July 4th in newspapers, where it gained recognition from the public. This is just one piece of American historical trivia that Diya Hituvalli brings to the airwaves for this 4th of July special focusing on Independence Day and poetry. She then interviews Meredith Heller, author of Write a Poem, Save Your Life. Meredith shares her teen struggles and how writing literally saved her life. She believes that poetry gives us a way to communicate with our deeper self. We can write things we wouldn’t dare or know how to say to anyone. In our writing, we find the words, images, and metaphors to name our feelings and suddenly what was overwhelming becomes clear and workable. Writing becomes a mirror, a companion, a place where we can be real with ourselves about how we feel, what hurts, and what we long for. Meredith has recently been awarded a grant to teach those who identify as female teens to write. If you are interested in joining her writing workshop, find information at her website www.MeredithHeller.com. Poetry can be a lifeline. Write it! Celebrate Independence Day safely and joyfully, Happy 4th of July!