Revealing a hoard of anxious bodies, the large gate adorned with flowers slid open.

The
grin on their faces suggests the number of impatient bodies seeking refuge from the
relentless onslaught of boredom. At the centre of one such gathering stands a plain boy,
miserable for having to linger, he clutched firmly on to his orange coloured lighter. In the
grip of a merciless winter they stand the streets so cold that the very gas lamps seem
frozen solid and the light they gave out subsumed by the endless fog. Buzzing with
anticipation, their instincts triggered by the promise of astonishing fireworks and
appetizing food, the mass of little children broke free from their parents and stormed
towards the beautifully arranged fireworks. In one corner a tall man is struggling to
survive as he is trapped in a bubble of smoke liberated from the scorching hot barbecue.
Crisp, comforting beams of sparkles filled the close spaces, the density of the smoke
supplementing the already hot, heavy atmosphere. Tingles of smoke and timber brushed
his fingertips like small fireflies. His long black hair glistened in the engulfed garden, his
tonsils experiencing a wealth of charcoal, burning and heat. The kindling materials
illuminated the air, protruding blades of fire and light into the starry skyline.

As the garden is filled and the fire is prepared, the shouts, yells and vague discussion
coming from the group of tatty teenagers comes to an awkward silence as many eyes are
glued to them. Undeterred by the gestures and frowns from the group of parents stood in
the corner, the children continued their barrage of sound. The parents were distracted by
the fragrant delicious smells filtered through the air as food was prepared. Bright lights
and heckles from the games stalls lured the children in like a lion to its prey. Finally, the
disruption fell to a minimum and the children split off into groups. Some went to the food
stall and some to the dull, murky water of the pond which was surrounded by the
happiness and laughter of the anticipating audience. Children spontaneously danced
round the hypnotising bonfire, only to be outshone by the dazzling fireworks as they
spiralled into the pitch black sky. Suddenly, a momentary explosion filled the garden,
bringing most of the children out of their relaxed stupor. For once the garden of bodies is
united, all eagerly scanning the fifty or more people for the guilty party...

The boom echoes repeatedly. Boom! Boom! Boom! Whooooosh! Everyone turned to one
another in confusion. It can only be the sound of bonfire night. The crackle and pop
meant only one thing. The fireworks had begun! Above their heads appeared flashing
lights of diverse vivid colours. Red, green and blue. In harmony, they all gave a sigh of
relief as they know instantly, that it is time to enjoy the exuberant fireworks. The crowd
watched in utter fascination as the guard made shooting stars reveal elegantly in the
twilight sky. The glow was illuminating as the glitter gems crackle and disperse into thin
air. It looked like vibrant coloured paint had been randomly splattered onto an ebony
canvas. Beautiful, boisterous and bright. The fireworks looked like a multicoloured spider
spreading its fluorescent web across the moonlit sky.

Fireworks lit up the sky like the neon glow of the Northern lights. The sounds and colours
exploding from them were phenomenal. A colossal rocket pierced the night sky as it
crackled and popped skyward to its doom. Catherine wheels spun like banshees trying to
escape the clutches of its captor, finally slowing to an undramatic end. Sprays of crimson
lava spewed from the fountain firework like a mini volcanic eruption. Excited children
hopped around the raging crackling bonfire as they magically created mystical images
with glowing sparklers. Late comers stopped and watched in wonder as the blood red
haze from the traffic light entranced them, the spell finally broken when a wave of
aluminous green light gave them the signal to move along past the food stall and into the
centre of the garden.

Juices drizzled and sizzled from the burgers. The smell of salt and vinegar wafted through
the air, as succulent hot dogs were grilled on the barbecue. Delightful squeals echo
around the amusements stall, as the game is finally conquered, victory obtained and the
priceless spoils are handed over. After some time, the smoke thickens as the last pop is
heard and the display comes to an end. The excitement is drained from the atmosphere
as the families prepare to go home. As the clock struck twelve, the parents led the way
this time whilst the spellbound children reluctantly trudged forward trying to break out
from the firm clutches of their parents. Some ran as fast lightning to their cars frightened
of the rain beginning to hit them. It seemed like an old enemy who had finally found
them. The merciless rain hit them on their heads with silver liquid drops, making running
pools in the gutter.