fireflies

by Jenny Turnbull

Tucked in a corner

broken and bent

full of life.

Moonlight

finds lost memories

begging to visit.

In an instant

the years float free

like fireflies.

Moments

dissolving with time

catch sparks

electricity

in faded articles

photographs

reveal eyes

you’d forgotten

reminders

when risks were fire

a cork from a midnight

made of dreams

a dog collar still carries salt air.

Harnessed memories

call back

dreams released

realized

paths twisted

goodbyes

secrets dimmed

but still living.

The fireflies gather

content to hold the years

once again

sealing the beauty in not letting go

they make space

for the rest of the story.

So much life

in the things we keep.

Jenny Turnbull is a children’s author who also writes poetry. Her debut children’s book, Tate’s Wild Rescue, was released in June 2024 with Random House Children’s. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA she now lives seaside in Manhattan Beach, CA with her husband. Jenny’s poem “Ghost of You” was also published by boats against the current in 2022. Follow Jenny @JennyTwrites on X or @JennyTurnbull_writes on IG.