On the morning walk

The 4th of July banners are, for the most part gone

The sticks that just a few days ago served to provide

a launch pad for miniature rockets

have lost their red glare

and will either contribute to the local compost

or take a trip

through the municipal sewage system

"warning drains to bay"

to my favorite surf spot.

It's over

nothing to do but

wait for next time