Fireworks

Above our heads

Colored stars suddenly splatter across the sky

With a bang like heavy paint smacking canvas.

Eager fireballs rise shakily to join the others

Fanning into great glowing willow trees

branches dropping towards the earth, fizzing and sparkling.

They linger in the air, and for a moment the whole sky is glittering

Like Swarovski crystal.

Golden sparks, crackling, are like bunches of Queen Anne’s lace

Before they spill down towards us: unremarkable, 
quiet earthlings 
huddled far below in the grass

Gazing up with fireworks reflected in our joyful eyes

on Independence Day.