Firefly
by Ken HarnischI watched a firefly in the hedge
The other night, my attention drawn to
The flickering light.
The coal green lantern
Set aflame by some act of mating, in some
Lovers name.
And though I could not see
The maiden firefly who responded to this
Cry, still, I was fascinated by the light, and I
Watched intently, well into the night, to see
If others would flit on by, to flirt with my
Itinerant firefly
None of the maidenwings came, alas.
When the time had finally come to pass
Where weary eyes and blue-prune lips
Had to say goodnight at last.
We moved to part,
Without a kiss to mend our angry hearts
Or ameliorating words of apology:
None drifted up from you or me.
Thus, another silent night did die
And so, I think, did the firefly.
08/22/2003
