Lightning flashes aglow in the woods–

signals with light patterns

from pale, green globes.

Children everywhere know what they’re seeing,

summer’s long heat wave brings fireflies visiting.

Hunting them is easy; they give themselves away.

They’re broadcasting their hiding places

from tiny spot-lit hind ends.

Catch them in Mason jars, making homemade lanterns–

long enough only to admire their de-light-ful glimmer.

When tomorrow evening arrives, we’ll start the fun again,

until autumn’s shorter days retire them for the year.