Our 4th of July

After as much as we could handle of the Law and Order marathon on Cable,

and after a trip to MGM liquour,

and after a trip to the grocery store for snacks,

and after dinner at Applebees or salads and our favoirte spinach dip,

we watched fireworks...

not the big show downtown with the crowds and the parking hassle

a small show put on by a small suburb
neighbors gathered by the ballpark
an older Latino couple the first ones there
claiming the hill by the powerline
camp chairs and blankets set-up to face the golf course
saving space for those who had to work late

young kids playing tag in the fading light
teenagers with sparklers and music
not too cool for fireworks, yet
all gathered to end their 4th of July weekend

couples cuddled under blankets --- it was kind of chilly-- really
hubby and I playing cards until we couldn't see (I won..)

then the fireworks

some innovative,
some old favorites
bursting colors
in the night sky
between the high capacity power lines
appropriate ooohs and ahhhs
and occasional applause
rising into the night

Finally, the Grand Finale
we could see, smell and feel the booms
explosions of light and sound
a rare display of pride in our northern state

When it was over,
we packed up our stuff in the dark
sat in traffic to get out of the parkinglot
and headed home into the night.