the laughter from the balcony
carried the shimmer of a sunset
fell like silver coins
legal, tender
came singing down
ringing with each bounce
on the dark macadam

up over the ledge
popped one smiling face
then two
a Punch and Judy show of merriment
and I could not help but catch
this wave that could carry me
past my insecurities, my shortcomings, my disappointments
to the safe shore of family and friendship

it had been a day
as rag dolls gathered
together
stunning in their variety
touching in their sameness
richly gowned in emotion
their stuffing poking out
their stitches loose and fabric worn thin
by the constancy of sunrises
that rub the soul awake

dens were dark
but the night had legs
and sleep walked around, clumsily
intoxicated by love’s leftovers
bumping into memories

below the balcony
it kicked up the sparkling discs
making joy echo lightly
until morning