July 2004  

Mountain Fireworks    © by    Lee Ann Gillen
 

Pick-up trucks with tailgates down,
Four door cars and kids from town,
Wait on edge in gathered dark.
Quiet chatter, laughs, a bark.

Parents sneaking peaks at watches.
Squirming kids—mosquito blotches,
Sparklers sputter—deepened air
Bottle rockets—startled stare.

Wum-pa! red mums pierce the dark.
Shup-tha! gold ones add their spark.
Waterfall, a weeping willow,
Smiley face, a ring on pillow.

Tendrill arms, a garden’s lath,
Rockets weave a braided path.
Jumping, popping popcorn strobes.
Lightning bugs with bright, white globes.

Giant’s rumbling stomach, sound
Rolls like waves upon the ground.
Mountains toss about the noise.
Ancient children with their toys.

Silence, final and complete.
Child awakens from his sleep.
Claps and cheers fill all the space.
Homeward turns a joyful face.

Previously published in the North Carolina Poetry Society's
Pinesong: Awards 2004. Used with the poet's permission.
NOTICE: The poem on this page is copyright © by the poet.