nothing can shake this truth.

the sun was still setting

when we claimed our spot at the top of the hill.

it said goodnight in the perfect shade of pink.

bright and hot, just like this summer.

we ate hot dogs, juicy watermelon and homemade slaw 

as the town below lit up the sky.

the horizon exploded in color.

i let out gasps and allowed awe to set in.

i thought it was beautiful.

fireworks as far as the eye could see.

"it can't get better than this."

i had no idea.

"they're starting. turn your chair around."

it was the city's turn. 

we turned our chairs and my heart stopped.

man-made stars filled the empty sky.

my eyes couldn't open wide enough.

the lights were everywhere.

they didn't stop.

my eyes raced back and forth,

back and forth

trying to take it all in.

trying to memorize the way the sparks 

looked liked fireflies and shooting stars 

that fell until they disappeared.

trying to memorize the overwhelming magnitude that came 
with each crack of light.

i didn't think it was possible to have 
such a powerful reaction to fireworks.
i was so grateful to be there, 
to be american, 
to be yours.

i wish i could take last night
and bottle it up forever.
i wish i could freeze that memory
to thaw out later.
i wish i could live in that moment because
last night,
with the magic in the sky
and you by my side,
i felt infinite.