After hours
Howard and I
snuck into the park
ill-gotten goods under hand,
ill-omened anxiety on face
apprehension entirely in mind.

It was the Fourth
and we sought to blow our loads
absent of any observers.
There was no one around
so we unleashed our handful of firecrackers
and taking turns
checking for the authorities
we let loose our little devices.

The explosions
were slight
disappointing
and our nerves were on high
so we got out of the park quick
never truly getting to appreciate
the wonders of the evening
and the liberties
that we had tried to take
in the night.