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The Rhythm of the Fireflies

7/7/2015

6 Comments

 
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Our dog, Cyrus, usually sleeps well and doesn’t disturb anyone until we get up in the morning. But a few nights ago he was awake at 3:00 a.m., clearly trying to rouse someone. He trotted from one side of the bed to the other, whimpering and nudging. Since this behavior was unusual, I knew I should comply with his wishes. As soon as I got out of bed, Cyrus raced downstairs to the side door and was happy (probably relieved) that I let him out.

So what do you do at 3:00 in the morning while you wait for your dog to finish his business? I walked out onto the enclosed porch that overlooks our backyard to see if anything was going on and was rewarded with a spectacular show from the fireflies. There were hundreds it seemed, and I watched closely to try to figure out the rhythm they were creating, wondering if the timing of the flashing was deliberate. I had recently seen something on television about a place in the mountains of Tennessee where a certain species of fireflies flashes with synchronicity. I was fascinated to the point of trying to sing a tune in my head to go with the rhythm of the fireflies as I watched.

Before long Cyrus was back, and we both returned to the comfort of bed. But I couldn’t stop thinking about those fireflies. I have since found out that there may be several species of fireflies in an area at any given time, each one having their own code of flashing. The code comes from the male who signals to the female what species he is, hoping for a mate.

Whether it’s the dance of the bees or the rhythm of the fireflies, nature is always putting on a show.


6 Comments
arjeha link
7/7/2015 06:39:04 am

Nature's own brand of fireworks. I haven't seen any fireflies around here yet. Usually our back yard is aglow with their light.

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elsie
7/7/2015 07:23:55 am

Thanks to Cyrus, you got to see a show that many miss out on in the wee dark hours of the morning. Perhaps I will go look out my backyard window when nature calls me tonight. I saw that same news bit on the fireflies in TN.

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Tammy and Clare link
7/7/2015 07:38:23 am

Love how you savored the moment and you were rewarded. I love fireflies - so hard to see them now. I spent hours each night catching them as a child. Sounds like a children's book on fireflies in the making!
Clare

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Linda Baie link
7/7/2015 10:48:00 am

So nice that you had this little gift, despite the time. We don't have fireflies in Colorado, so visiting family in the east makes it always a pleasure to see them.

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Tricia Ebarvia link
7/7/2015 10:58:20 am

Sometimes the most exquisite gifts come present themselves at the most unexpected of times. I love fireflies, and have many happy memories of gently cupping them in my hands when I was little... and then seeing the joy on my sons' faces as they did the same for the first time a few summers ago.

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Deborah link
7/7/2015 11:38:50 am

I love the ending of your writing. You wrap it all up in a single line that has some profundity to it. I grew up with many fireflies and upstate NY has some but not the masses of the midwest. Enjoyed reading your post.

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