Moonlight Dance
At dusk, when I go out to call in the dog,
my eye catches a tiny flash against the trees.
I walk a little closer
and see hundreds of flashing pinprick lights.
The first fireflies of the season are out,
putting on their astounding light show.
I pull up a patio chair to watch the erratic
flashes here, there, and over yonder,
Dipping and swooping in the darkening evening.
It is quiet, soul-satisfying entertainment.
Such a contrast to the other entertainments
at my ready disposal.
There is no one trying to get my attention.
No loud voices or flashing colors.
No one trying to get me to buy anything.
Just little wonders of nature being themselves,
unconsciously dealing out little flashes of joy.
As I watch, a tiny sliver of moon,
brilliant silver, slides up in the western sky.
I sit in the gloaming overflowing with delight,
watching the fireflies dance in the moonlight.