It was July 1952,
On Independence Day.
I had a date with Lena,
To see a fireworks display.
When at her home I arrived
She met me at the door.
And told me something
That I didn’t know before.
"My brother’s here", she said.
And his wife but that’s not all.
They have four children
Who are really very small.
They also want to go
To the fireworks display.
The kids have never seen one.
So, what do you say?"
Well, what could I say except
"Sure, sounds good to me."
I didn’t care for the crowd
But the transportation would be free.
The fireworks were at the Cotton Bowl.
I had never been before.
And had never imagined
I would be there holding one of four.
The bombs bursting in air
Were really quite a blast
It was my first time
But it wouldn’t be my last .
It was worth all the trouble
Of having a kid in my lap
To see him so excited.
He certainly didn’t take a nap.
I remember it was Lena’s niece
Who was scared of the noise.
But the fireworks
Were really loved by the boys.
I never saw Lena again
And I don ‘t remember why.
But I’ll remember this date with her
Until the day I die.
jhs