Fire Works

Fire Works
– Renee Adele Phillips

As a child I was invisible
at family reunions,
moving through the adult world
of coffee cups and card games.
“Shoot the moon!” was the battle cry for pitch.
I pictured you, my brother,
in your cowboy boots and overalls,
aiming your cap gun at the moon
and with one shot
shattering it into millions of
4^th of July sparklers.
You were fireworks—colorful, explosive.
I was the glittering trail forever in your wake,
following your fearless lead.
Even now, you make me feel brave—
brave enough to shoot the moon
and stand still, my hands wide open,
ready to catch fire.