Firefly

As subtle as a fairy's sigh,
aloft on summer's velvet night,
the blinking of a firefly
anoints the dark with specks of light.
It's said that they illuminate
the spirits of our loved ones gone,
who wink at us from heaven's gate
and flash their love, like sparks of dawn.

These creatures, magical and small,
are bearers of immortal souls
who come to comfort one and all
by glowing soft like warming coals.
So in that moment, brief and bright,
we lay our grief and sorrow by,
and smile each time we catch the sight
of the elusive firefly.

© 2011 Katharine L. Sparrow