A firework streaks through the night sky. Photo by author.

Empty Space

Like jumbo shrimp, there is no such thing

I watched as the balloon plied its way free from the others as the holder attempted to wrestle the bunch into her van. Once the string loosened, the red orb lifted steadily, floating up in the clear sky, a tiny dot diminishing, tail sashaying behind as if waving “goodbye.”

Its ascent called to me.