#516...on firefly faeries

       By day, the woods behind my house are heavy with summer leaves, tall grasses and wildflowers, birds singing and flying to and from birdfeeders, stopping occasionally for a quick fluttery bath in a sun-warmed puddle, rabbits and gophers, chipmunks and wild geese seaching for food, or materials to reinforce their nests. Seasonal sounds too, surround me of clicking cicadas and busy bees hurrying from flower to flower - their legs heavy with pollen, and constant movement - butterflies gathering nectar fluttering on the wind - leaves and branches swaying to a gentle breeze, sunflowers following the setting sun...

But with the twighlight, the noises quiet and the landscape is changed slowly, slowly, as to slip by without wanting to be noticed. The breeze dies down, the birds settle in for the night, and wild creatures take their refuge - knowing the show is about to begin. 

And then as if on a whisper, comes the magic. One by one, the night sky begins to shimmer as soft glowing lights fill the trees and tall grasses, and rolling hills. It's a time where, in this mystical transformation, the smallest of the small, the seemingly insignificant and unnoticed take charge of the night and transfix the world. Transforming the landscape into a mystical realm, a surreal fantasyland of light and magic. 

Sssh - the firefly fairies have begun their dance.