I Stand Alone in the Yard at Night
A single firefly
races across the black canvas
that every summer,
every summer until this one,
was splattered in light.
I have never seen a lightning bug
move so fast. I want to catch him,
carefully, in a closed cradle of palms,
carry him. We’ll go together
while there’s still time,
if there’s still time,
find the others.
20 thoughts on "I Stand Alone in the Yard at Night"
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gosh, the craft of this poem works in so many ways, prophecy and refuge.
Thank you, Gaby! You leave such thoughtful comments. ❤️
2 powerful lines:
every summer until this one,
was splattered in light
I enjoyed reading your poem!
Thank you so much, Debra! I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment.
I love the urgency and the desire to find the others. Sadly, I feel we’ve seen fewer and fewer of those majestic little creatures as each year passes. Beautiful write!
I think that’s absolutely true – this year it feels really stark, though, at least here on the farm where I live. Thank you, H.A!
I enjoyed the feeling evoked by the image and story
Thank you, Mike!
Beautiful poem. The image of “closed cradle of palms” is vivid
Thanks – I appreciate that, Virginia!
Tremendous poem! That second stanza absolutely captivated me.
That feels like such high praise coming from you! Thank you, Kevin.
Gorgeous! I love the firefly image against “black canvas”. The ending, so striking and sad.
Thank you very much, friend!
I want to go and find them with y’all!!
The more the merrier!
Gorgeous. Tender and haunting: “We’ll go together
while there’s still time,/if there’s still time,/find the others.”
I shall look for them next night… Thanks for reminding me that I should not miss them…
I hope you find them!
Thank you so much, Pam!