Dear Firefly,

Dear Firefly,

Thank you for your nighttime illuminations that spur our imaginations. You provided me and countless others hours of wonder growing up.

In fact, you still do.

I notice with each passing year though, your numbers are down.

I haven't even seen you by my house in the last few summers.

You were more numerous in my younger days…

I remember this one night…

It was the most perfect summer night with a bright moon. Rain was going to roll in soon- I could smell it on the wind mingled with the aroma of tall grass standing in the pasture being swayed by the wind; listening to the sound of the grasses and leaves dancing on the breeze. Katydids humming in the background playing the melody. A delicate fog veiled the pastures reflecting the weight of humidity, making the night's aroma stronger. Delectable.

If you listen closely you can always hear nature's concertos.

Cruising back roads in my VW Bug at night with my vent glasses popped open, taking it all in…enjoying the night breeze on my face.

Suddenly, one of you hit my vent!

Splattering all over me!

Marking me with your bioluminescence…

Streaks on my t-shirt, face, and hair glowed, I was startled at first, then broke into laughter at seeing glowing streaks on my face in the rearview mirror.

I regret all of the things we've done to care for our land that significantly impacted your numbers. We are trying to turn this around so your numbers once again flourish.

When we learned your numbers were decreasing, why, and how to help you, we began learning safe ways to groom our lawns for your habitat.

Forgive us, as we educate ourselves on how delicate ecosystems are & how easily they can be impacted by actions seemingly insignificant to us.

We're learning to live in less toxic ways in the world, being more conscious of cause & effect with every action.

Looking forward to seeing you shine again!
You are always welcome at my home, bring your friends and family.

Sincerely,

Baccus Bee

Curious...do you see a lot of fireflies in your area?

I lived in rural Oklahoma for the memory I shared above and fireflies were everywhere during the summers then.
My Grandparents lived on a hill and I spent countless hours watching fireflies dance, lighting up the front pasture— several acres that extended downhill to the state highway.

I've lived in Kentucky since 2014, rural Kentucky since 2018.

I haven't seen a large number of them yet in Kentucky until this summer. They are more numerous in my yard this year to my delight.

I'm enjoying and appreciating their nightly performances! Hoping for an encore next summer!

Fingers crossed we all see more of them soon.

Weren't they so much fun when we were young?

(Images created by author using starryai and wonderAI. All words as always flow from my pen. Thanks for reading.)