a small light, perhaps a beacon of hope

[OT from cottage renovations]

today is Tuesday, 22 September.  make a note of it. 
the autumnal equinox has passed, meaning that the centre of gravity of the cycle of days and nights has passed the midpoint of the annual slide away from warmth and light into their opposites.  autumn and winter have much else to recommend them but this particular aspect of the seasons is never one to which I have ever been able to look forward with any enthusiasm as it is always a struggle to keep mood and spirit from following Persephone into the darkness below. 

though not given to seeing signs in natural phenomena, nonetheless this evening was quite extraordinary: having taken the last train out from the city, the walk home from our little station passing through that last stage of dusk during which night sets in.  down at the other end of Grove Road (note again today's date) the distinctive flash and movements of Photinus pyralis, the common Eastern firefly, instantly commanded my attention.  it was odd enough for this year's firefly season to extend as it did through August and into the first couple of days of September; I had seen three at the intersection of 2^nd and Grove Avenues three weeks ago and another out back the following weekend. 

but in all my years in the Grove I have never, ever seen them this late. 
it's difficult to be anything other than cheered by this off-seasonal display.