Glow

The children dance around the fairy lights
Trying to capture them in their see-through jars
Not sparing a thought that
They may die in the airtight jugs

I would not be so foolish
To think I could own fireflies
That if I managed to catch them
As they flee from me in fear
They should be my nightlight

I would sit on my porch and watch
Dazzled by the blinking lightshow
Joining the twinkling stars that make up galaxies
That shine against the swirling indigo, purple, and black

I heave a sigh and pull my curtains shut
Thinking of tomorrow’s glorious day, before
The night when all the fireworks will crackle in the sky
Wondrous shades of red, blue, and white

The shy kid that hides when I come over will shout
“Hooray! It’s America Day!”
And I will wave sparklers and eat s’mores

And I will stop worrying for next school year
And I will have not a care in the world
Far from pain and sadness and hateful comments
Wrapped in warmth and kindness and light