A Special Night

One Guy Fawkes Night when we were six.

You laughed aloud and danced with glee;

I loved it when you laughed with me.

Nose to ear we raced around

Picking branches from the ground,

Bugging neighbours each by turn

Seeking yet more things to burn.

On cobbled street we built a pyre

And bit by bit we built it higher.

You tugged my arm and turned to see;

I loved it when you smiled at me.

We stuffed our Guy with cloth and straw

And taking shape we added more -

Pyjama trews to fit his form;

A well worn coat to keep him warm.

We sat our Guy with greatest care

High on the pyre upon his chair.

You held my hand in ecstasy;

I loved it when you needed me.

As darkness grew and flames curled high

Great rocket bursts lit up the sky;

Our ‘taters burned; we scorched our hair

And sparklers shimmered everywhere.

The magic nights are magic still

We loved it then and always will.

Guy’s special Day is special too

For then it was I first loved you.

               Ztan Zmith