A Hot July Night

A July night in nineteen sixty nine.

Two cousins on the porch feeling the heat

Of summer flings with guys we wouldn’t choose,

But in the dark what matter does that make.

Just turned fourteen, but acting more mature—

First kiss, first touch on my damp neck; meanwhile

Up on the moon, Neil took his first brave step.

My aunt and uncle watch on their tv

Just feet from all our moves, oblivious.

“That’s one small step for man”—first base with me.

As millions stare up in the starry night

Straining to see a man walk on the moon,

Fireflies reveal brief secrets down on earth.

Events collide in potent memories.