The bright lights go down.

The stage turns black
and lights begin to rapidly flash.
Red to white, red to white.
In the blink of an eye,
everyone is lifting their phones into the air
trying to capture the upcoming event.

Shrill screams pierced my ears
along with the sound of sobs of joy.
The thump-thump of the upbeat music
And the pop fizzle of the fireworks
are sounds I will never forget.

The scent of artificial smoke and excitement filled my nose,
my whole body vibrated along with the beat.
I try and hold that memory in my mind
like a string around my finger,
in hopes I won’t forget.