Student Publishing Program ::

Laura Kishimoto

Thirteen Point Seven Thousand Years

Thirteen point seven thousand light years from
the edge of a spiraling galaxy,
tucked carefully away within one of
the infinite folds of the universe,
flickers the insignificant flame of
life; Nearly invisible among the
flaming stars, enveloped by the blackness.
Would anyone, or anything, notice
if the spark was suddenly extinguished?
Would there be anyone to even care?
Each passing day another star winks out -
forever. Would this be any different?
Clinging to existence, collapsing from
within... We walk the path to destruction:
Wars are fought over now rare resources,
weapons are built to wipe out whole nations.
What was once precious has been forgotten,
buried by violence, smothered with revenge.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2009 EDITION]