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Childhood's Chase

we ran gleefully

chasing the summer’s fireflies

putting them in jars. . . 

those warm nights of our childhood -

they flickered, and then were gone



For Line Gauthier's 'Bite Size Poem no50' Poetry Contest

childhoodtanka

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John Fleming

August 14, 2025 at 2:25 AM

I have only just come across this truly amazing piece of poetry...the BEST Tanka, and by a country mile I might also add, that I have ever read. TRULY ASTOUNDING!! Surely this has been published? I doff my cap, madam! I cannot overstate just how good I think this poem really is. Superb!!! In awe. :) john. p.s you have inspired me to do better.

Andrea Dietrich

August 14, 2025 at 10:26 AM

thanks so much . It's one of my personal favorites

Line Gauthier

October 26, 2022 at 7:14 AM

Beautiful. Congrats on your well deserved top placement, Andrea ~

Paula Goldsmith

August 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A fun childhood night/write. I loved doing this as a kid. Have a wonderful day...........................

Terry Miller

August 21, 2022 at 12:19 AM

Wonderful, congratulations

Unseeking Seeker

August 20, 2022 at 8:09 PM

I’ve seen this theme before in your poems, seems you’re enchanted by fireflies entwined with fun filled childhood memories :) beautiful write, Andrea, congrats on your top win

Andrea Dietrich

August 21, 2022 at 8:41 AM

thanks. They do not have these insects in utah, so on rare times I get to travel to my home state, I always am anxious to view the fireflies.

Kim Rodrigues

August 20, 2022 at 10:47 AM

Congratulations!

Connie Marcum Wong

August 20, 2022 at 8:22 AM

Nature is amazing in its beauty and you are amazing at depicting it Andrea. I love this. A Fave! Congratulations on your Trophy win! You deserve it! Blessings xxoo

Ann Peck

March 25, 2022 at 10:01 AM

Andrea, Your poem is so lovely and nostalgic. I love your last two lines, especially. :) Congratulations on First! (sorry I'm so late.)

Kim Rodrigues

March 18, 2022 at 12:57 PM

Congratulations, Andrea! That last line with a double meaning :)

John Watt

March 17, 2022 at 11:19 AM

I'm slightly jealous you had the childhood memory of catching fireflies... we didn't have any where I grew up. Love your reminiscence of the fun you had, then like their brief flicker, the days of childhood are gone. Well stated in this lovely tanka... congrats for your win.

Howard Kerr

March 16, 2022 at 11:20 PM

Congratulations Andrea A superb work Howard

Charmane Bellen

March 16, 2022 at 3:02 PM

yes fireflies always reminds me of childhood. Congrats dear Andrea! lovelots, Charmane

John Lawless

March 16, 2022 at 12:58 PM

Nice little twist at the end Andrea.....very nicely done.

Faye Gibson

March 16, 2022 at 12:22 PM

Beautiful entry, Andrea. I remember so well catching the lightning bugs, as we called them, and putting them into jars. I am really enjoying the entries in this contest.

Sam Kauffman

March 16, 2022 at 10:38 AM

Andrea, congratulations. Wonderful metaphoric write on the fleeting days of childhood all blended with warm memories of catching fireflies on summer nights! Delightful!