Fireworks

by Justine C. Tajonera

You won't remember this,
little one.
I was carrying you close
after the carousel ride
and there were fireworks
in the sky.
The lights and sound startled you
and your mouth opened in awe.
You looked at me, your eyes huge
with a question you couldn't yet ask,
then you looked away and
you looked at the sky again.
You leaned your head
on my shoulder
and those five minutes
stretched to forever
as I breathed in your wonder
and the powder on your neck,
your tiny hands holding on
to my shoulder.
I will keep this for us,
for when  I hold your hand
through other days ahead,
for when you have children
of your own.