Flying lanterns,
a handful of mystery
trying to catch
a part of
nature
warming to the game
they dart and
scramble
in the grass,
blade to blade
blink, blink
here’s one, and
another
exciting moments
crawling on your
palm, trusting
then off again.
© Richard L. Provencher
First published Jan-Feb-Mar 1990
Vol. 6, No. 1
BREAKTHROUGH, Aardvark Enterprises
Calgary, Alberta ISSN 0831-1919
Comments
skinner_jennifer | July 2, 2011 - 16:23
Hello Richard,
I've never seen a Firefly, but your description gave
me atleast an insight into this wonderful creature.
Jenny.
awsamy | July 2, 2011 - 21:32
beautiful poem :)
Richard L. Prov... | July 3, 2011 - 10:06
Hello Jenny, These "lightning" bugs (often called so) are like small flying beetles who flit from grass to brush and keep moving around every few minutes as the back half of their bodies blink a bright green. This is their way to attract a mate. They are easy to capture in the cusp of your hands then transported to a see-through bag and used as a lantern inside a tent, then released later. These insects, about the size as your small finger nail, are only seen at night in the woods where there is peace and serenity. Thanks for the encouragement. Richard LP