Independence Day

I cried for a long time after you died.

I kept thinking of how much dimmer the world would be

without your 10 billion kilowatt smile.

I didn't even watch the fireworks

in the park that year.

instead, I stayed on the couch with my eyes swollen shut

and tried really hard to time travel,

to tell you one last time how cool i thought you were

and how I always had the biggest crush on you.

But now, a year later, I've decided

that I shouldn't have been so sad

because you picked the best day of the year

to make your journey through the Pearly Gates

because after you finished filling out your forms

and St. Peter stamped and filed them and handed you a halo,

you showed up just in time for the heavenly block party,

had a heavenly hot dog and a beer

and enjoyed your brand new independence

from the things of earth.

And plus, I'm willing to bet that the best seats

for watching fireworks on the Fourth

are in Heaven.