Chasing Fireflies

The summer night was something from a Rockwell painting, with freckled children with cut-offs and bare feet chasing fireflies until called in for the night. A punctured cap in one hand and jar in the other, the ageless chase commenced.

Swirling in the night, appearing for an instant as if to say “catch me if you can,” the illusive prey mocked until encased in glass. The celebration dimed along with the light, and the top was removed, firefly set free, and chase commenced again.

The light shines brighter in open air.

So it is with other forms of light. Friendship, love, divine inspiration, and our true selves . . . they relentlessly swirl before us, taunting us and saying “catch us if you can.” Children of all ages chase such fireflies with arms and hands outstretched and hearts hoping to catch the light.

Just as in the summer nights long ago, the joy dims along with the light when captured or encased. Better to release the light, where it burns brighter, and others can join the sacred dance.