FIREFLIES

Last night I saw the first fireflies of the season. There were only a few sturdy little fellows out there in the chilly night air but it marked the official start of the light show spectacular of the summer. I do so anticipate their arrival each year!!

I can remember, as a young girl, collecting a bunch of fireflies in a mason jar, adding some springs of greenery or flowers and placing them on the window sill overnight. All would be dark for the longest time and I would worry if they were going to be okay until morning when I would set them free. But then a car would go by on the street and the headlights would momentarily flash upon the walls and all the little fireflies would light up and flash back. It always made me laugh. Since there was very little traffic at night on our road, I would sometimes use a flashlight with the same results.

My all time favorite as an adult though, is to walk outside among them. Most of the time they just move away from me, intent upon their own important agenda for the night. But every once in a while they magically surround me, and what a special treat that is! Up close, fireflies really glow most brilliantly in various shades of green and yellow. The differences are very subtle unless you are paying close attention.

There are over 1,000 different types of fireflies worldwide and each species has its own unique series of flashes, sort of like morse code, that attracts a mate of their own kind. Some flash their lights on and off, while others will beam a steady glow. They really are very fascinating little creatures!!!

One night, sitting on the screen porch watching the continuous parade of lights, I wrote a poem about them that I would like to share with you.

The dazzling colors of the sunset have faded,

and a hush has come over the earth.

Dusk creeps up, softly, silently,

until darkness overtakes the light of day

so subtly that it takes me by surprise.

The crickets pull out their miniature violins

and begin tuning up for their nightly serenade.

Suddenly, there is a tiny flash of light,

so minute and rapid

that I'm not really certain I've seen it at all.

But wait, there it is again, and yet again,

and before I know it,

there are thousands of miniscule lights everywhere!

Some blink rapidly,

looking like a neon sign for which I can't quite make out all the words.

Others glimmer slowly and leisurely,

moving along in a line like so many tiny fairies

carrying itty bitty lanterns to light their way.

Countless others, like Christmas lights

strewn haphazardly among the trees,

flash festively into the night.

What infinite joy it is to sit on my back porch

and take in this spectacular light show,

set to the delightful tune of the "All Bug Chorus".

Now go outside and look for fireflies!!!!

WILD ABOUT DAISIES

My very favorite flowers

in all the world, you see,

are these small white wild daisies

that are smiling at me.

Such a sunny disposition

they have me in their power

I could happily sit among them

for hour after hour.

I delight to see a woodchuck

reach high to grab a flower

and pull it down to munch upon,

or should I say devour!

They grow in such profusion

all along the way

I visit and admire them

'most every single day.

Every dainty daisy white

causing me to giggle,

wears a tiny lacy tutu

with a sunburst in the middle.

I can't bring myself to pick them

though every year I try,

so beautiful right where they grow.

and they would only die.

So welcome back, sweet daisies,

to me you are so dear,

I'm so glad to have you back once more
to fill me with your cheer.