Thirty-Two Lights

Half a dozen fireflies are blinking in the trees,
Making silent music with their light.
Down the lane a dozen more come dancing on a breeze,
Twinkling as the dusk gives way to night.

Fourteen fairies flutter by with wands and glitter bells,
Laughing as the moon begins to rise.
Soaring through the rustling trees of lonely Dixie Dells,
Flirting with those eighteen fireflies.

Glitter Tag and Hide & Seek, Bell Hop and “Bag the Troll.”
(Faeries always win at Hide & Seek)*
Seven games of Mushroom Squash ~ triumphant shouts of “Goal!”
Thirsty now, they race to Dixie Creek.

Mr. Moon is full and bright and, chuckling softly, he
Grins down upon the creatures as they play.
Six sleepy bugs light out for home, beyond the Willow Tree.
Six more decide to end their busy day.

Faeries yawn and stretch their wings, as six more lightning bugs
Follow suit, “Good night, sweet friends!” they shout.
Fourteen faeries find their beds (they each get thirteen hugs).
As, one by one, their twinkly lights go out.


* Fireflies have limited control over their blinking torsos.

Copyright 2008
By Donna Lee Murphy