88fireflies avatar

by

I was born with two
Staring straight ahead ‎
Then I grew
Thoughts filled my head
And they searched
For a better view
‎“The sky will do”‎
They said

So they arched their heads
To look straight up
That was when
I locked them up
When they grew tired
I let them go
‎“Let’s see the world below”‎
So down they went
Too low

I sent them up again
With pins and pads
And there they stayed
Until sucked dry
And definitively
Tired of the sky
But then one grew
Too big, too fast
And that one did not last.

13 comments add one below

  • avatar

    Christopher over 2 years ago

    This is lovely, Firefly. I read it three times and I think I've grasped it but I'm not positive.

  • avatar

    firefly over 2 years ago

    Ahh thanks, Christopher! I was trying not to make it too obvious but may have strayed too far the other way xD

  • avatar

    firefly over 2 years ago

    Also can I just say a big thank you to you, Christopher, and all those who have commented on my drabbles so far. This community is so warm and encouraging, I'm very grateful! It is the first time I show any of my writing to 'strangers' and the fact that you take the time to read my poems multiple times to try to understand is so sweet. :D

  • avatar

    Christopher over 2 years ago

    You're welcome, Firefly. We've always been welcoming but I think we've amplified that now that so many of the people who used to be here have fallen away. It wasn't uncommon five years ago to have 10 or 12 votes for one single drabble, but we just don't have that many people still engaged here.

  • avatar

    Christopher over 2 years ago

    And it's really the last three lines of the poem that I was trying to figure out.

  • avatar

    firefly over 2 years ago

    That's fine, I think a small group of people makes it even more personal. But I can imagine it must be sad seeing the numbers dwindling over the years.
    As for the last lines, *spoiler* I was referring to breast cancer. Thankfully, the last verse is not written from personal experience.

  • avatar

    Christopher over 2 years ago

    Ahh. I was thinking about eyes but the last three lines didn't seem to fit that hypothesis. I'm glad I've gotten abreast of the situation now.

    In all seriousness, that makes it all the more poignant now.

  • avatar

    Neville Hunt over 2 years ago

    Brilliant, firefly! But I too, like Christopher assumed it was about eyes and now I get it. One of my daughters had breast cancer, twice (different types apparently), and despite two series of chemo and associated hair loss, she then went on to produce two ‘miracle’ babies, one after the first bout and the the other several years later after the second attack of chemo. We had all assumed that, sadly, she wouldn’t be able to have any. There were lots of tears shed (of joy) all round, me probably being the biggest blubber of all! A terrific poem; it’s brilliant! More please!

  • avatar

    firefly over 2 years ago

    I'm so happy for you and your daughter, Neville, it just goes to show that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for sharing, and thanks for the encouragement!
    I didn't even think about eyes when I was writing the poem, but I can now see why you both thought it could be. Perhaps I'll have a look at finding a more explanatory title xD

  • avatar

    Neville Hunt over 2 years ago

    Don’t worry about changing the title firefly. Despite Christopher and me thinking it was eyes you were talking about, my first thought was correct (that’s blokes for you!), but then wasn’t sure if it was Mr firefly or Mrs, Miss, Ms firefly talking, so quickly changed my assumption. Thanks for your kind words re my daughter, but I should have added ‘-in-law’, not that it makes any difference.

  • avatar

    Frenchie over 2 years ago

    I also thought of eyes too then I finally got at ''With pins and pads
    And there they stayed'', which I totally understand why the guys wouldn't get this (I assume they do not know to which lengths we could go to have that t-shirt look 🤣).
    I love riddles but I suck at them :-D
    Now, I have to say, it is brilliantly written and very thoughtful. Don't change the title.
    I am also glad it is not from personal experience which shows you are a talented poet as you can put emotions in something you have not (thankfully) experienced.
    Neville, I am glad your daughter is better. You go through a lot. I admire your strength.

  • avatar

    firefly over 2 years ago

    Thank you, Frenchie, it means a lot. I have to say I showed it to my boyfriend and in his defense English isn’t his first language, but he somehow thought I was referring to birds? I thought for sure he would figure it out 😂
    I was hesitant about what kind of title to give it but I think you’re right and I’ll leave it as is. The girls will get it!
    Oh and Neville, not that it really matters, but it’s Miss Firefly if you must know. I forget that simply “firefly” isn’t at all obvious xD

  • avatar

    Frenchie over 2 years ago

    Hehehe, being intuitive, I always knew Firefly is a “she.” But then again, I also thought Drew is a “she” too, for quite a long time. 🤣
    So much for intuition…

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