Ars Poetica

To get a really good one
you have to drive

to another state,
South Carolina

will work, and
bring it back

home with you.
The warning label

should fill you
with trepidation.

Is this wise?
Am I adult enough

to supervise?
As it goes along,

It should begin
to throw off sparks.

Slowly at first,
adding colors

until soon
it illuminates

your darkened room.
And just when

you’ve gotten completely
comfortable,

as you wait
for the inevitable,

quiet resolution,
it should go off

in your hand
like a defective

Roman candle.

–September 25, 2017