The Firefly As Metaphor

The Firefly as Metaphor Walk in twilight Among the flashings of fireflies Reborn from the earth below, From the base of tall plants, to dispel The fears of darkness, as their Surprising orange -quick blooms Twinkle the night shadows Into a joyful game of hide and seek. “Oh, I see one! But, oh! Now gone! ...Where will it rise next?” Then next? Just beyond reach. But The hope remains. Seeking the light, Given for the catching and...holding! The firefly sits on my palm, Tickling, blinking, Winking open its wings,but settling Back a second more To send a further silent sighing Of the music of its mere, yet overwhelming Present joy of experience — there, for us Only several Baker’s dozen times in a life — rare enough For the tales of this summer anticipation — To see and hold fireflies — To go on passed on generation to generation: “Step here! Silent now...Watch!” Scan into the taller, dew-gathering Undergrowth of the pink azaleas and then Like magic from under the yellow forsythia. They will appear to the children’s delighted screams And our own aged heart’s shouting out, “Watch now! Any second! They will Jump out to kiss the moon! And you will catch their glowing flight.” ********. *********. **********. ******** (C) sally Young eslinger 12/16/2020 Oh, Thanks be to God