The fireworks’ nightly bloom

Casts an empty glare

Over quiet swathes

Of tired hearts and minds

–

Home again

Some retreat to their lonely caverns

Weighed down by the day   

Pockets heavy with sand

–

In the evening’s flare

They breathe in short shallow breaths

Eyes wide at the ceiling

Burning red and white

–

Rushing back to their posts

Through the clearing haze

Chest deep in their rage

The dark waters of exhaustion