the inflatable castle

it's lord of the flies
out in the parking lot.

kids are running wild
with

water guns. their faces painted.

yelling and whooping.
the parents are in the shade

drinking beer
while the kids pummel each
other

and curse.
making vows of mayhem
at one another.

one of the parents has blown
up a giant

inflatable castle.
orange and red, yellow.

a giant balloon they can run
into
and out the other side.

I want to join in, but I feel
awkward,

like maybe i'm too old to have
any fun.

I look at my watch.
where's betty?