Impermanence

I think some things aren't meant to last forever. Lasting forever kinda dulls their meaning, to me. Or their beauty. Give or take, depending on what we're talking about, I suppose.

But basically, what I'm talking about now are fireworks. I mean, fireworks can be pretty awesome. Loud noises that scare small dogs and send shell-shocked veterans diving for cover, seizure-inducing light displays, and tons of atmospheric smoke pollution, but still really cool. Especially finales (though often finales end up looking like they accidentally set the whole row on fire and everything is launching at once oops).

And then I see people taking pictures of it. Really, how can you enjoy fireworks through a camera lens? And is that picture going to be the same as real fireworks? Meanwhile, you've just missed out on the experience of watching the actual fireworks in an effort to preserve them in a less effectual form.

Sure, you can't repeat a memory quite like a picture or a video, but I've never been quite as impressed by someone's photographed or filmed lights as I am the real deal. I'd rather just enjoy it in person.