Nothing But Air and Light (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Nothing But Air and Light
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- NOTHING BUT AIR AND LIGHT -- By John Herlihy Summer was now in full swing The air fresh with champagne light The wind quiet but on the rise The trees rustled whispers softly And those cicadas started a racket Where were they, to make such a noise The fireflies rode an invisible current Moving over grass like a flock of birds Miniature-like, their rhythm alluring A desire dragging him suddenly in To catch one of them in his hand Like catching a world of light He lunged, grabbed, closed his hand When he opened it, nothing but air He tried again, desperate now This time, a soft tickle in his closed palm He loosened his hand to set it free Like giving freedom to a mystery The firefly floated rather than flew Back into the wave of twilight air One among many once again Like a star in its constellation High above, a silence of pianissimos Here below, fireflies and primrose - - - - - - (c) John Herlihy 17 February 2019

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

Reviewed on September 8, 2019

This certainly brought memories of the occasional summers spent with family in the Appalachians. O to relive those happy, innocent times!

Rebecca

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on September 4, 2019

I ENJOYED THIS PROS-AL SHARING, THANK YOU. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Jane Noponen Perinacci

Your words actually took me back to a yard on a summers night reflecting your words. So beautifully written, John!! I am loving those last two lines so much!

Love ya!

Jane

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on September 3, 2019

Another beautiful reminder of how many different perspectives one can enjoy for free, just by paying attention to nature. This truly struck a chord. Thanks for posting, John.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

A midsummer night's beautiful refrain. The cicadas, after a long cycle are really out to procreate, find a mate. Hence all the joyous noise. And what Midsummer night would be without the benefit of fireflies. Your poem captures all this wonder with grace.

Ron

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

I haven't seen a firefly since I was a child living in Chicago. For a while, when my imagination was hyperactive, I thought they were little angels. Light and fresh air are precious things in a world getting so dark. To find that pure air and light within, could well be the passe-partout to poetry. Enjoyed. Peace.... r

Reviewed by E Phillips

Great comparisons in similarities and contrasts in poetic format. Both illuminate yet reveal little. Mysteries that are solvable by snake oil salesmen or by scientists. Take your pick.

Reviewed by Michael Schafer

Even in my old age, I still enjoy catching fireflies with my G-kids, and marvel at the mystery. Beautiful as always.