Fourth of July Sparklers

we can barely open our eyes
from the humble pain of acidic sunlight
our brains numbed by its robbing our sleep
unsettling our brows, causing disenchantment

time passage dares our superstitious beliefs 
like other upsetments counted in threes 
let the clock tick loudly our resentment
bringing some briskness back in the breeze

no one blames us for what we are not doing
why you do not like us is more absurd
human error maims innocent victims
interaction avoidance stows our sterility

we need not wait to be forgotten after death
forgotten we have been from our very first breath
write not for anyone's enlightenment but our own 
so long as she needs me she will find me at home

how many Facebook hits will thrill us?
how many bong hits will fulfill us?
how many road trips heading home
until the road becomes home and home is a tomb?

so pick me up, Joe, on Tara's portico
sleep like an opium-eater in Savannah 
under the willow tree, cobwebbed and heavy
cannot get it up in the back seats of Chevys

the ides of summer, soft and delinquent
three typhoon daisy-chain causing excitement 
open eyes wider for Fourth of July sparklers
then shut them tighter awaiting tomorrow 

7-4-15