Jenna Gooch
Learn more about Jenna’s poetry at facebook.com/jennagoochpoet.
Poet’s notes
This piece highlights fireflies and pollinators insects — their charm, and their vulnerability to pesticides and light pollution. I have so many beautiful memories watching Lightning Bugs as a child, but as an adult in North Texas I really didn’t see many with my own children till I moved up to the Texoma area. These creatures are so fragile, and need our help if we want to enjoy the show in the future.
ShedWright.com and facebook.com/thegoochgroup
Lightning Bug Language
Copyright 2020 By Jenna Gooch
One night last July, in the summer heat,
the air all around was sticky and sweet…
Crickets were chirping in the rainbow sunset,
opening for a show I’ll never forget!
As the sun sank lower, the sky grew dark —
Grandma and I set up chairs at the park.
Orange to pink, then a deep purple hue…
Lights off all around, stars appeared two by two!
Mosquitos buzzed softly in anticipation
of the night’s Lightning Bug celebration —
We barely even noticed their noises…
Did you know firefly lights are their voices?
That’s what Grandma said — I could barely sit still!
Finally they came shimmering down the hill!
Blink on. Blink off. Through the shrubs and the trees…
There had to be hundreds, I thought, at least!
What did they say? Important things, of course!
Maybe they communicate using Morse?
A mix of quick flashes, and a long steady glow.
Maybe one blink means yes, and two means no?
Grandma leaned closer and shed a small tear,
and said “There are fewer and fewer each year…”
I gave her a hug and whispered back to her,
“Can we help fireflies have a future?”
She said,
“Just like us people with street lamps and cars,
light pollution blocks our view of the stars —
So when you’re next to a Lightning Bug home
It helps to dim all the lights and your phone.
Another thing we can do for fireflies
is reconsider our garden supplies.
Some chemicals we spray on crops and trees
harm more than pests, and confuse birds and bees.
If we decide to avoid pesticides,
we could make a big difference if we all really tried!
These sprays hurt them, and they’re not good for us.
They’ll thank us, and so will bees and ladybugs!”
I thought about what my Grandma said,
as the Lightning Bugs’ show came to an end.
I’m certain they blinked “Good Night” from afar!
As we packed up our chairs, heading to the car.
Memories like this one are my favorite —
I think everyone should get to experience it.
Let’s use our voice and make the right choice.
Grandma’s wise words are more than noise!
What’s good for the firefly is good for nature,
nocturnal creatures, and pollinators!
Please turn off your lights and enjoy the show,
so future generations can see them glow!