FOURTH OF JULY

In the black Maine sky the anchor light
shines on the spreader, mast and stays
A network wandering lazily through
the stationary stars
sparks that do not fall
on our small boat

Glowing butterflies with expanding wings
hang spread out across the sky
Showers of flame
float slowly down...down
Umbrellas of color pulse and grow
sparkling through the spectrum
fall in pieces into the harbor
A crescendo of explosions
"oohs" and "ahs" rise to meet the sparks

We pull up anchor in the velvet dark
all flickering red and green as
boats turn towards home
flurrying the calm water

Children sleep curled up on deck
embers falling, a kaleidoscope,
into their dreams

 

 

lari smith, 16 Dewey Rd.
Lexington MA 02420
lari@rcn.com