By Ruby Kelley
The moon shines brightly over the open field beside my home in northwest Florida. The skies are almost cloud-free, allowing some of the day’s heat to dissipate. It is still warm outside. A slight, occasional breeze carries the scent of the gardenia bushes. It is a pleasure to sit on my porch and rock in my well-worn rocker. I do not turn on a light…That would only draw moths, bugs, and the occasional cricket, and it would destroy the stillness I enjoy.
Not too far away, I hear a whippoorwill calling. I think back to childhood days when my sister and I would “sneak” through the yard, listening and trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive bird. Although we tried our best to be quiet and careful, we never found one—probably because two small giggling girls make more noise than we thought we did. What bird would sit quietly, as what sounded like a small herd of humans approached?
Small puddles remain in the yard after yesterday’s rain. It is enough to satisfy a few noisy frogs that croak happily nearby. I hope they are catching and eating the mosquitoes that plague us this time of year. Even when they do not bite, they buzz around my ears like tiny, noisy drones, causing me to slap at my ears until they ring, all to no avail! If mosquitoes laughed, I am sure they would find my efforts hilarious.
Earlier, as darkness set in, I heard “bullbats” swooping down to catch bugs in flight. Making a “swoosh” sound, they dip and capture their prey. I remember my mama telling us they were vampire bats, looking for small children to sweep up and carry off for their blood. I am sure she said this to get us to come indoors and prepare for bed—which it accomplished.
The sound of a hoot owl echoes briefly. It does not hang around long. I suspect it is in search of food in the form of field mice, squirrels and rabbits that run through the tall grass in the open field. There are more than enough small night creatures to feed all the birds of prey native to this area.
Other types of wildlife roam here at night, enjoying the cooler temperatures. These creatures— foxes, raccoons, snakes and deer—often serve as food for the night-roaming coyotes that inhabit the surrounding forest. The yipping and yelling when the coyotes fall upon their chosen prey chills my spine every time, with its distinctive, unforgettable sound. I often marvel that God created such a variety of animals to coexist. God knew from the beginning which animals would need other animals for survival, and which animals would thrive on the local flora.
I feel blessed to be able to soak in the wonderful sounds around me for a peaceful rest. As I retire to bed, I feel not only relaxed, but peaceful. That God takes great care in the small details of life gives me joy. Knowing that God loves all creation reassures me that God will also not forget about me.
Ruby Kelley,, a retired paralegal, loves the slow pace of rural life that she and her husband share on a small farm in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
This article appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of Gather. To read more like it, subscribe to Gather.
