Sky Break Celebration

her party stayed dry
despite stress, rain, tent set-up
(smiles al around)

First Day of Summer

a rare, masked smile 
his first roller coaster ride
our life’s hills, splashes

the best time of year
is strawberry-rhubarb pie
(yes, it's a season)

baked by my daughter
the sweet and sour combo
shines as bright as spring

the plants are rising
as the school year closes down
(garden life cycle)

from prom to vaccine
in a short eight-hour night
(let science save us)

there's no heartbreak here
just my girl, eighteen years old,
ready to face them

sneakers underneath
(pandemic proms are outdoors,
under tents, in grass)

she's taller, braver.
in her silver floor-length gown,
she masters the night

and aren't we a crowd?
this master-mix of humans,
standing on these rocks?

unsinkable us
right below the Molly Brown
(ready to swim. Win.)

vaccines could save us
(yet not from the ignorance
spread without needles)

snowy petals fall
as spring goslings first appear
(seasoned mockery)

first day of first job
(the best COVID milestone)
let us shed this slump

blooming badminton
(a few moments of teen peace
before bickering)