Beyond the Fireworks

It's the Fourth of July.
Remember...
With fireworks above
You flew like the wind to be by my side
As they roared with rage
I teased, but I held you close
Like always
My hands covered your little ears
And your little hands covered mine
I watched you watch sky
My little sister.
*
It's the Fourth of July.
Remember...
With fireworks above
We were the embodiment of youth
Carefree as the wind whipped wildly through our hair
In a friend's black Jetta
We journeyed to the beach to watch the town's display
Faithfully at my hip
You tagged along
Where you belonged.
*
It’s the Fourth of July
Remember…
With fireworks above
I paced the pavement in dreadful worry, calling you
In the downfall of your self-destruction
I would fall ill with every heard siren
My face would flush with fever at each knock on my door
You arrived home that night under the smoke-filled sky
Your eyes filled with clouds
Clouds remained
But you did not
My sister.
*
*
It's the Fourth of July.
Remember...
With fireworks below...
I soared above the ignited sky in an airplane
Without you
Those celebratory colors cracking miles below me
As I flew
Home from where you left
To fly home
High above the planes
Above the fireworks
Where you illuminate the Heavens
On the Fourth of July
And I remember.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Schiavina Avatar
December 8, 2023 at 7:47 AM
Congratulations Jessica on your well written inspirational poem on sisterly love featured on Poetry Soup Home Page.
Wheeler Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 6:28 AM
Thank you so much!
Inman Avatar
August 19, 2023 at 9:11 AM
A touching write Jessica.
Wheeler Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 6:28 AM
Thank you, James!
Delaney-Barron Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 6:28 PM
The repeat ion and timeline of this poem creates an emotionally charged piece. Wonderful!
Wheeler Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 6:27 AM
Thank you so much, Fran!
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