Fireworks
By Kathy Armijo

Fireworks, no better way to light the night.
Excitement is in the air.
Is it time for the show to start?
Huh?  Huh?

It’s about to begin.
Now they’re playing the National Anthem.
“And the rockets red glare 
            [Whuump – the sound you hear as the missiles leave the mortars]
The bombs bursting in air …”
            The shells break, blanketing the sky with red
            As you hear its thunder roar.
The crowd bursts into cheers.

The fireworks show has just begun.
Sit back [yeah, right] and enjoy the sight.

More shells begin to break.
            The crowd cheers in unison.
This nighttime symphony: a synchronization of light, shape, color and sound,
            You can see it from miles around.

Wowie!  (hoots and hollers)
That one cascades downward like the branches of a palm tree,
            Hanging in the night until the sparkle dies.
Oh, there’s a blue burst.
Now, an orange one.
Look at the multitude of colors in that one as it fills the sky.
            The crowd goes wild.
Is that one a red heart?
Look at those overlapping circles – one’s purple, one’s orange.
            Can you hear the oohs and ahhs?
The smoke hangs in the air.
Yet, this glorious vision goes on and on.

What a magnificent spectacle!
There’s a pause.  Is it over?  So, soon?
Wait!  It’s the finale.

Hundreds of shells burst in the sky,
            Filling it with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.
            The intensity grows.
Ending with a final thunderous roar of sound,
Followed by cheering and horns honking.
What an incredible night!