I'm usually not a big fan of insects, but I can't help but to love lightning bugs in the summertime. Actually they may even be considered my favorite animal. Their anatomical makeup is very intriguing to me... how do they light up like that? Is it some form of communication, feeling, or is it something a little more physiological? While I will do a little more digging on these questions (I'm obviously not a science nerd), I have more sentiments towards these creatures that are more abstract.
Lightning bugs remind me of summertime. I remember collecting them in a jar when I was a kid. I remember seeing them all around when I was hiding during an intense game of Manhunt. While nostalgia always haunts me (refer to a previous post of mine Old Friends) I allow my thoughts to be entertained by warm childhood memories and dreams while I lay around my apartment in reflection.
A few nights ago I was with two of my good friends. My friend is lucky enough to have this secluded apartment next to this big field. During the night, this field is illuminated by thousands of lightning bugs fluttering about. I don't know which view is more of a sight the big night sky, or this field of fireflies. The stars and the lightning bugs battle for my gaze. While the three of us were on this small deck looking out into the vastness, I not only thought about the innocence of my youth, but I just felt so inspired and alive. Summer always promises romance, passion, adventure, and reckless abandon.
My friends and I were just laughing, swapping stories, sharing life, but sometimes we just all took the moment in. I know that I'll never get a chance to relive that moment again, and that I'll never be or feel this young again, and that there is no looking back, but I think I will remember that moment for a long time. I also think that there will be a future moment like that where I will get to laugh, or experience joy or youth or spontaneity.
In the middle of summer, we all find hidden treasures. They could be in the form of firecrackers on the fourth of July, feeling the humid air or walking along the shore. Or they could be in the form of little lightning bugs, collectively making a beautiful display that mimics the starry night.
