Tonight I saw a symphony of fireflies, also called lightning bugs or glowworms, and though it lasted only about ten minutes at dusk and then tapered off for the night, it was an impressive display of what we call Nature. Surely such performances witness a divine orchestra leader we hardlly even wonder about.
It started slowly, with an occasional momentary glow under the trees. Then others joined in, coming from the grassy flat beyond. It built up to a sudden, almost simultaneous display from under the trees and the meadow, and then, as if on a signal, the display fell back to only an occasional glow until night fell and they disappeared.
It was short-lived, but it left an impression. I have seen them here on Long Island since I was a kid, but had never seen them build up to such a crescendo. It was a hymn so impressive I’m writing about it.
Civilization 