Life and Island Times – 22 May 2016
Fireflies of the Night

Most appropriately after yesterday’s relationship advice piece, Marlow and W encountered fireflies under the light of the full moon. It occurred after they had finished a wonderful meal at a friend’s house and decided to take a dip in his backyard pool.

As they sipped cidre doux, fireflies appeared over their heads as they lounged in the pool. All four diners were instantly thrust back five decades or more into their youths. They were captivated by the sweet memories of walking through twinkly green flashing backyards, capturing these critters in clear glass jars, poking holes in the jar lids for air, and placing grass for these magic flashers to eat.

Some of these intrepid glowing aviators swooped too low and landed in the water. With the diners gently lifting them, they were placed in the adjacent grass where the females possibly awaited.

These beetles were different – they had twin tail lamps like a Chevy Nova. None of them had ever seen this species, commonly called click-beetles. That wasn’t surprising given that there are over 2000 species of lightning bugs worldwide.

The Big Dipper firefly is the most common species of firefly in North America and was the one they had seen and played with as children. Marlow recalled being told as a 12-year-old that the male Big Dippers are prey for the females of a different firefly genus. These predator females mimic the effects of the Big Dipper females. What these femmes fatales want is the chemical they need to defend themselves from jumping spiders.

Humans use similar deceptive language of light and color to attract partners, lovers and sometimes meals. Marlow’s thoughts drifted to the multiple island species that prowl Duval St like 801 Bourbon Street pub and it’s cross dressers. It was then that he penned this:

Full moon on the horizon
Seen though green colored glasses
‘Twas time for them to hunt
Earthbound stars by their flashes

Constellations like Big Dipper
Simple yet complex
Shining toward earth
These lil green stars were searching for sex

Cryptic signals sent
From the ground to heaven and back
Timing is everything
For the codes their mates must crack

He flashes for answers to
Who, what, where
Some give patterns of deceit
To twinkle his eye

Closer (flicker).
Closer (flash), closer still
Street lamps beckon him
Against his will

Throwing caution to the night wind
He approaches too fast
The conflict is over
He’s now her repast

So, dear readers, beware of deceptive flashing.

Copyright © 2016 From My Isle Seat