It sounded like a war zone around here last night. From before dark until long after midnight, many people around here were shooting off firecrackers. There must have been thousands and thousands of dollars spent on the ridiculous things, especially the illegal ones. Although Colorado has banned any fireworks that leave the ground, the sky was alit with so many fake stars that the natural firework show was often obscured, but still I got to enjoy the sheet lightning that so often shows up on the fourth of July.
Can you tell I don’t like fireworks? I can’t imagine how military veterans who had actually been in a war zone felt like last night. Even if they hadn’t suffered from flashbacks or PTSD, the constant booms and cracks as well as the whine of rockets probably brought it all back. My nerves are generally pretty steady, but even I had to jump when explosions seemed to sound right outside my window.
It’s odd living so close to a state line. People in Kansas come here to buy the marijuana that’s illegal there, and people here go to Kansas to buy the fireworks that are illegal here. I suppose it’s a fair trade for a lot of people, but neither of those products have any meaning to me.
Whatever happened to glow worms and sparklers and homemade fireworks like dried cattails?
I probably sound curmudgeonly, but there is a good reason for that — I am curmudgeonly! Or at least, I am becoming so.
If previous years are any indication, tonight will be a repeat of last night as the seasonal firework peddlers sell of the last of the their wares. But luckily, eventually things do quiet down.
***
Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator
Bertram's Blog 
July 5, 2021 at 9:13 am
Yeah, we had that problem here in Columbus. Lots of people shooting fireworks off in their backyards or on the sidewalk, which is so dangerous! And illegal, might I mention (I’ve done my research, believe me).
I can only imagine how busy the police were trying to track them all down.
July 5, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Same here. It’s been like this for probably 15+ years. I remember we would either leave for the night, or go out of town altogether, or if unable to leave, we’d shut the windows and just try to endure it. Often it would begin a week before, and trickle on for days after. My poor cat hates the noise and hides. Not only are these stupid things illegal, the drought conditions here are worsening and some fires have started. Toxic metals rain down on the ground and the debris from these things litters the street. People are selfish and immature, and on it goes, and “leaders” and “law enforcement” can do or will do nothing for fear of offending.
July 5, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Pets also don’t like the fireworks.