I miss the fireflies...

Where have they gone?
When I was young, it seemed there were hundreds
of fireflies blinking in the yard
every summer night.

Now, there are almost none.

Did I kill them?

I used to chase them through the yard
and catch them in my hand and put them
in a mason jar and close the jar with the
lid punched full of holes.

So they could breathe.

I'd keep the jar beside my bed and shake the
jar to make the fireflies blink.

Were they scared?

When I woke up the next morning, the fireflies
were all dead. 
I didn't cry or feel even a little bit sad.
I just emptied the jar in the back yard.

And waited for more fireflies to fill the night and
the mason jar.

Now I understand that nothing lasts forever.
I'm sorry fireflies.

Not the same...

the clouds
are different here.
lower. thicker. heavier.
except when there are none.

the sirens
are quieter here.
fewer. farther away.
although, the local news
would not agree.

the air
is lighter here.
sweet. crisp.
in a town that 
used to smell of
melted rubber.

she is
stronger than I expected.
blind faith. pain free.
I'll worry for her.

tonight I
saw one huge star

and three fireflies.