Neighborhood children blow bubbles while
ominous storm clouds crowd the sky 

Thin rays of sunlight squeeze through the growing darkness,
shining light through the soapy orbs
dancing frantically in the strengthening wind

The children’s carefree squeals echo in the pressing air,
floating higher than those bubbles will reach

“Pop!” 
“Pop!”
“Pop!”

Concentrated soap droplets splatter on the hot pavement
and I startle the fleeting beauty
of this moment
simultaneously imitating and creating a temporary bubble–

childhood