A summer night
in 1984
or maybe it was 83
Backyard looked like
the Milky Way
as lightning bugs
called to us –
me and two step-sisters –
to run barefoot
carefree
with hands open
trying to catch
yellow stars
that shifted into
new constellations
It was a rare night
for you to be home
but you still carried
a cold can
of Old Milwaukee
in your hand
as you sat
watching us be kids
I was old enough
to know the beer
allowed you to walk –
however unsteady –
through the days
but still innocent enough
to believe
that if I could catch
a star
you would be happy
We ran
We laughed
My sisters screeched
when they caught one
but quickly let it go
when the little legs
of the lightning bug
move against their skin
I finally captured one
Holding it loosely
in my hands
A pale yellow light
blinking
between my thumbs
I turned toward
the back step
searching for you
You, next to
a collection
of silver and red cans
reflecting the light
shining through the patio doors
I paused
worrying for a moment
Will my tiny gift be enough?
I felt the lightning bug
try to fly
against my fingers
searching for the sky
Its light seemed like
a warning
instead of a star
“Look, dad, I caught one!”
holding out my cupped
hands as I hurried
so you could see
the way the lightning bug
blinked in the darkness
between my palms
Without a word
but breath heavy with beer
you slammed my hands together
I stood
in shock
as you gently pried
my hands apart
A small splat of yellow
stained both of my palms
Eyes heavy,
speech thick,
you said,
“Now your hands glow”
Then, as if by magic
your left hand was holding
another can
You stood up,
opened the patio door,
and created a shadow
that darkened my hands,
still glowing from the
death of that lightning bug
Decades later
in the darkest nights
I can still see
the glow of luciferin
from the lightning bug
I should have set free
on that summer night
in 1984
or maybe it was 83
About the Author
Numerous published works to his name.
Although his focus is on poetry, Jamey has also made a name for himself with his compelling blogs and popular fictional novel Under the Lights.
Jamey’s most recent works include Life in Poetic Form, While Death Waits, April 2020: A Poetic Time Capsule of Writing and Living During a Pandemic, and These Words Believe in Ghosts.
Throughout his career, Jamey has delved into a variety of topics, including family, heartache, and the mysteries of life. Jamey is well-known for challenging his readers’ perspectives and inspiring them to see things in a deeper way.
As a loving husband and father of six, Jamey enjoys spending his free time with his family. Currently, he is working on new works that will be released soon.
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