Threads Deep Within

Wine and Fire: Origin of the Firefly's Fire

**This is something I had to write for English class!**

"There was once a time," I began, fireside warming my exposed skin, "when nights were deemed eternally dark. When fireflies did not glow in a midnight's chill," Her gaze burned across the flames, stronger and more piercing than any fire that ever singed me; my heartbeat quickened as she spoke, "And what my this be about?" she smoothly inquired. The kids sat on the edge of their chairs, pleading I continue, "Leader, leader! Tell us more, tell us more!"

I smiled as she rolled her eyes, "I'm glad you asked, therefore I shall tell," my grin stretched across my face as I gazed to the stars, fire still burning me; not literally, though. I poured the red wine and shared it with the adults, preparing my story-telling tone.

"When humankind discovered fire, we would dance to celebrate its warmth. The pure joy of the ashes and the embers that filled the sky filled our very hearts with burning passion for nights like these. We would sing out to the astronomical threads henceforth and plead to that of our universe. The way it should be: free. Humankind was accustomed to this and would continue to dance around flames for eternity, as we do now. We would tell stories and embrace under star lit, near lilac skies whils-"

Best brother sat beside me, his lover hand and hand, "Leader, is this the story where the fir-"

I spun to face his interruption, "Shush, I didn't finish!" silence overcame once more, allowed me to continue, "Anyways, as I was saying, humankind was lonely and needed companions. We had the desire to travel far and wide, but there was no light; torches were scary to us back then and no attainable light source was worthwhile. We all danced around the flames by the fires in which we would build by night, for we could not travel at those hours; we would have to establish makeshift camps, which later grew to settlements. One night, stars shot across the sky as dancers surrounded the fire. Naturally, we were astonished, but also rather terrified. The fire burning bright and seemed to attract bugs. Never before had this occurred, so the terror intensified. Voices came from the bugs as more stars ignited the sky above, but the people were no longer scared," I turned to the kids, motioning for my best brother to be silent upon my inquiry, "Would you all like to guess why that is?"

The group of children exchanged glances and shrugged. Then one spoke up, "Were they magic?"

I shook my head, "Not exactly."

"Perhaps airplanes to take people away?"

I sighed, "No, no, not that either. Any other guesses?"

Silence.

"They were spirits. Spirits of their ancestors. The spirits possessed the bugs, in a good way of course, and flew into the fire. The whispers of the long lost loved ones comforted humankind, for they understood the upcoming purpose. The flames engulfed the insects, whispers and voices roared until silence overcame. The people were overfilled with joy, though fear undoubtedly lingered. Suddenly, the fire-pit seemed to explode, as thousands of bugs flew out of it, their golden-ember glow providing light in the dark night's air. There were so many that it looked as if the sun was coming up again. Glee touched humankind and they were able to travel safely in the night, knowing the guidance of their ancestors would help them find their way. The comfort filled them forevermore whenever they embarked on an inevitable journey, the sight of the little bug reminding them of the origin in which it came," I finished smoothly, pride swelling in my chest as I saw the faces in awe of my work. The kids swarmed me with questions, best brother smiled, "It's even better than the first time you told the tale," He acknowledged.

I was satisfied.

We put the fire out and began to retire to our separate paths; our threads, our journey's, our own day to seize.

Her warm gaze locked with mine, admiration showing deeply, "Oh, my Queen, that was beautiful."

"Thank you, it truly means more to me than life itself."

And other things.

Silence overcame us as we locked eyes once more before parting ways; she crossed the creek, I made my way to the mountains. A metallic thud caused us both to spin around rapidly to the now abandoned fire-pit.

A glowing, golden ember remained.

Only this time, instead of being a shimmer to fade forever more, it did not; instead, it flew out, aligning a star path between our parted way, its stardust touching the earth's surface as it disappeared on the horizon. Tears rolled down my cheeks as she ran to me, embracing me.

It was a firefly.

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Wine and Fire

By D. A. Kaczmarczykova

"Black knee socks warmed to a brim

Marks against my knees, resting shoes on my thighs

Gazing off into reckless, endless starry skies

Awaiting their arrival, alongside sight of her

Across division, arching flow of

This land, and the next

Flames of fire reflecting against

Nearby waters shedding light to all's pale skin

Now with tan lines of sun's exposure

Warmth eternal for all, they pour each other wine

To happily accept, given permission as always

Stronger scent welcomed into my spirit

For it is beautiful and always memorable each and every time

Never a danger, always safe, always enjoyable

Upon the first taste; bitterness to sweetness, down the throat

Old money's concept within the nightfall

Upon retreat, finish the glass

Flaunting it enough for all to see

I know they see, and I know she sees

Though no words will ever be said

Embers are clear, darling

They race each other amongst fireflies

In which will ingest, at all thoughts of you

Within this very night."