Well, it's official. Summer has officially arrived. I know this for a fact because I have just seen my first firefly of the season. Or if you prefer, lightning bugs. I use either name interchangably. I used to be a staunch advocate for lightning bug, but, after Joss Wheadon's wonderful SF series, I'll gladly use either term.

This year the firefly was quite merrily buzzing along at twilight as I rounded the corner coming back home from a meeting. He buzzed along, nearly silently, down the middle of the sidewalk. I watched and appreciated his easy care way of welcoming in the summer season. He was waste level, or there abouts, and floating along completely at ease with being watched. As I peered, I cautiously stuck my hand out as if to shake his all too tiny hand and thank him for his duty. Surprisingly, he didn't flitter off. Even more surprisingly he actually landed on my thumb, as if to say, "Thank you," himself.

I have no idea what he might be thanking me for. I have no insight into the mindset of an insect such as he, nor have any hope of ever understanding his view of the world. but it might be that as I see him as a herald of all that is good with summer, he may somehow see me- or maybe humans in general, as a herald of something good within the bug culture. Whatever the reason, I was pleased to be so rewarded. 

I nodded to him. He seemed to wiggle, just a little, in acknowledgement. Then as the moment had passed, he flew off, back on his journey through life, blinking all the way.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I continued the few steps to my front door. 

Nor would I have wanted to.

Welcome summer. What surprises have you in store?

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