Happy Poetry Friday!
Today I’m celebrating my Grandson’s fifth birthday with a poem. I won’t see him until next week, but through the magic of technology, I’ll read the poem to him later today. This past summer, the grandkids spent a few days with us. It was the first visit without their parents, so we tried to keep them busy with lots of activity. I started by listing all the things we did and quickly realized that although they were all fun, catching fireflies stood out. The two of them would press their noses against the window each evening waiting for the first flash. I think the best part for them was the release. There was jumping and twirling and squeals of delight as the fireflies flew off.
Trying to put into practice what I’ve learned from Laura Purdie Salas (thanks, Laura!), I tried a few different versions, narrowed it down to two, then went with the one you see here.
Irene has the poetry roundup today at Live Your Poem. Be sure to stop by for lots of poetry goodness. Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays, and thank you for reading.
Imagine the Possibilities 
What a special memory and now gift! A lucky grandson and grandmother are forever linked in that poem. LOVE it.
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Thanks, Linda!
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Aw, what a sweet thing to read this grand a homespun poem! Happy birthday to Grandson, and your poem positively twinkles. Thank you! xo
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Thanks, Irene!
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Charming! What a wonderful time, when it’s finally tiny-stars-and-wishes o’clock.
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Love “tiny stars and wishes o’clock”
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I love this poem. You should make your own book of poems for your grandchildren. I loved catching fireflies as a child. Unfortunately the spray that’s used for mosquito control kills them, so in the city limits, we don’t have them.
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Thanks, Margaret!
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Love your poem, Rose! And I had no idea fireflies are out this late in the year! What a joy to read your poem to your grandson, too!
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Thanks, Patricia! The firefly catching occured last July in much warmer weather. I try to choose something meaningful from the past yeat to write about in the birthday poems.
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What a fantastic gift! I love your jaunty rhythm and your rhymes. My favorite line is “wait a bit, but soon as soon” — a perfect way to describe the proper amount of time to hold a firefly!
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Oh, this is wonderful, Rose. That ending, wow! It’s a special gift of memory for your grandchildren. I grew up with firefly magic and miss them here in Colorado. It is too dry. Happy New Year!
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Rose, your poem is simply delightful. I caught fireflies with my own children when they were growing up but not with my grands. It is always a memorable event but I don’t see these little fairy lights now. Enjoy reading your poem to your grandson. Merry Christmas.
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I love your magical, whimsical poem Rose, you’ve packed everything in to create the wonder of these “tiny stars,” and how special to share this with your grandson, thanks!
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Rose, this is so special! I extra love those long i sounds in the first few lines. And then “soon as soon” and wishes flying to the moon–it’s like a fairy tale with fairy tale language, except that it’s all real and true. Your grandson must’ve loved being the star of a poem–and reliving the memories.
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Thank you, Laura! I had to read it to him over FaceTime, but he was very attentive.
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Rose, your poem is a delight; I love it! I’m sure your grandson will love it, too! It’s the perfect birthday present. I love your fun rhymes and rhythm. I especially love these lines:
When nighttime fills the daytime skies
it’s time for fireflies.
Let’s catch those tiny stars
twinkling in the trees and yard.
What a great ending! Have a grand birthday celebration and visit with your grandchildren. Happy new year! May it bring you joy and peace. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I think this is a great poem to seek for publication!
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Such a sweet gift for your grandson and also the gift of thinking about warm summer days to come. Thanks! Enjoy your visit with him this week!
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