an old love

the necks turned upwards
to the settled
sky of receding light.
the wait, the wait.
the dogs on short leashes,
the children on
tired shoulders.
then the spark and spring
of booms,
of colored light
in star flowered
blues and reds,
pinks and whites.
the spray of patterns
across the darkening sky.
each year, since childhood,
you've stood
and watched with someone.
your son, your wife,
a new love, an old love
who has returned,
for just one night.