Happy New Year: A dream is a wish your heart makes

In light of this fabulous holiday, I've written a short-short piece inspired by a five year old boy who I met last night. This is how every little kid's New Year's experience should be, well in my mind.

The Smell of Smoke

For Anthony

Bang! Bang! Pop! Crack! Wizz! Illuminating expositions erupted in the dark sky like Pop Rocks in a wet mouth. A little boy stares wide-eyed at the remnants of smoking fireworks, mouth agape in a silent ‘o’.
“Whoa,” he says, eyes bright with excitement. “That was so cool.” A long arm wrapped around his slender shoulders.
“Happy New Year, son,” says a deep voice, his massive hand lightly gripping the boys shoulder.
Clusters of people with sparking hats and noisemakers begin to head towards the parking lot exits as the wind blew away the smoky haze in the air. Taking his hand, the boy’s father begins to lead him through the thick throng of bodies.
“I smell smoke,” says the boy with a crinkled nose.
“I smell a great year ahead of us,” replies his father with a smile. “Come here,” he says, picking up the boy and throwing him onto his shoulders. Giggling, the boy gripped onto his father’s forehead as they left the smoking sky behind, blue eyes alight with anticipation.


Happy New Years everyone! May all your dreams come true.

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keepHave faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

~Cinderella