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29 June ~ 2007
On Wednesday evening I went down to the Greenbelt at sunset with Ben and Maggie. It was warm, and so the dogs went swimming in the lake. I then found a shady and secluded spot and sat down and waited for dark, so I could see if the fireflies were out yet. While I sat there I noticed a wren and some other unknown birds moving around above me, checking me out then flitting off.I don't do this as often as I should - just sit and be still out in nature. Before long a lone cottonwood seed come floating down through the shadows, to land on my lap. The birds were in a wondrous evening chorus, which Ben and Maggie listened to as they rested their heads on my legs. When it turned from twilight into full darkness the birdsong slowed trailed off, as the birds settled in for the night.
I finally got up and us three went over by the big tree down at the edge of the cattails near Bass Lake, that marks the spot where my family and I observed fireflies for so many years. I thought I saw one - Yessss, there is one flying. More and more appeared, and within ten minutes the night was filled with glowing fireflies above the cattails and rushes and Apocynum plants.
Not many know that in late June and early July we have fireflies around wetlands on the Colorado plains. Its not really a secret, but so few walk after dark that it might as well be. Maybe the mosquitos keep them away.
Nature's wondrous events have a way of making years disappear. My heart felt the same as when I was ten years old out making discoveries. I captured one from a bush and cupped my hands around it, making a chamber with my fingers. It's light pulsated within my palms, and I showed it to Ben and Maggie, who seemed positively interested.
I felt a need to share this, so when I got home I emailed a friend who has a twelve year old son and a seventeen year-old daughter. The next night I took them out for dinner, then they followed me though the trees and tall bromegrass, along the fox trails through the cottonwood grove. Mom and I did'nt tell the kids what we brought them down here for, and they had no idea what they might find. My stories of mountain lions on the ridge and 30-inch long snapping turtles crossing the meadow added some mystery to our walk. I left the flashlight in my backpack, wanting to make it there in darkness. We did.
It was pure enchantment, us four watching all those fireflies floating in the dark, and placing a couple in a jar for the boy to see. When we were ready to go he let them loose and one landed on his hand, pulsating with light, until it lifted off, straight up into the night.
