Fireflies

Summary

The website content features a reflective story-poem titled "Fireflies" by Harley King, accompanied by a brief biography of the author and his contact information.

Abstract

"Fireflies" is a poignant story-poem by Harley King that captures a moment of quiet contemplation and emotional depth. The narrator describes a simple dinner, the onset of nightfall, and the dance of fireflies, juxtaposed with the somber reality of a loved one's terminal illness. The poem conveys a sense of longing for comfort amidst the pain and impending loss, with the fireflies symbolizing a fleeting beauty against the backdrop of mortality. Harley King, an experienced poet with over 50 years of writing and publishing, is introduced as a dedicated artist with a significant body of work, including haiku, and a presence on various platforms such as Goodreads, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Opinions

The author reflects on the contrast between the beauty of nature and the gravity of human suffering.
There is an expressed desire for solace and meaning in the face of death, with a turn towards spirituality and old rituals for comfort.
The poem suggests a personal struggle with the concept of mortality and the search for peace in the midst of a loved one's illness.
The author's biography reveals a deep commitment to the art of poetry, with a notable period dedicated to haiku and a wide range of published works.
Harley King's professional life extends beyond poetry to include abstract drawing and teaching Zentangle, indicating a multifaceted approach to creativity.
The mention of waiting for recognition from a "big publisher" hints at the author's aspirations and the challenges faced in the literary world.

A Story-Poem

A sip of hot tea, a handful of walnuts — my dinner tonight. I watch the sunlight fade from the sky and applaud the fireflies in their flights of sexual fantasy. She sleeps for now — the pain deaden by the morphine, the screams quiet and hidden, only the restless turning of her body. I mumble a few words in my clumsy attempt at prayer, my reaching for comfort in old rituals that no longer have meaning. I beg for mercy and that her death be quick, without too much discomfort. I catch a firefly with my bare hands.

About Harley King

Harley King has been writing and publishing poetry for over 50 years. He spent 7 years writing only haiku. His poems have appeared in over 30 publications including Modern Haiku, Dragonfly and Outch. He has published 12 books of poetry and 2 works of non-fiction. Harley is patiently waiting for the big publisher in the sky to turn his books into best-sellers and his poetry into classical literature.

Harley is a certified Zentangle teacher and creates abstract drawings.

Fireflies

A Story-Poem

About Harley King

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