*

It's the Fourth of July.

Remember...

With fireworks above

We were the epitome of youth

Windows down, in the back seat of my friend’s little black Jetta

We journeyed to the beach to watch the town's display 

Cares to the wind that whipped wildly through our hair

Tagging along 

Faithfully at my hip

Right 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

With clouds in your eyes

The 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 me

To fly home

Where planes cannot go

You’ve gone beyond the fireworks

To illuminate the Heavens

Every Fourth of July

And I remember.