The bonfire roars into the night
Crackling twigs erupt in a furor
They dance, drink, and laugh around the perimeter
In light of summer’s sweet charity

The crickets play violin on their legs
The music of night, the lullaby of the earth
Into the hay field they wade
Hushed giggles and soft tremors

Two link pinkies
Their faces close
Brushing up eyelashes
Tickle her cheeks

Rising smell of wood and leather
She tugs at the hem of her jeans
Hikes them up over her boots
Hops the fence and follows through

Nighttime nickers and velvet noses
Fingers weave into course manes
Ears tilt backward
They ride into twilight