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“What happened to the stars?” I hear a child ask, their neck craned back as they stand on a city sidewalk. As if they thought, if they were just a bit taller, they would be able to see whatever the night sky was hiding.
Their parents start to give an answer about light pollution, and I sigh.
I wish I could pull this child aside and explain how it really happened — I would tell them of the great battles, of how we pulled down the stars and captured them in streetlights. Of how, when we look up to see a black blanket and ask where all the stars went, we’re forgetting that we stole them from their homes and put them to work.
“Poor stars. How do they feel? Are they sad?” the child would ask, still looking up, because they are wise in the way that children are wise, and have not yet learned to be afraid to empathize with those who are suffering.
I could not say. After all, I myself am not a star. But I would tell them about how the last time
there was a power outage, I went outside at night and looked up. And how the sky — oh, the sky.
It was laughing.
Glittering with the joy of a million stars that were finally free.
Dear child, if I told you this, would you want to hear the sky laughing too? Would you be willing to give up your streetlights, your traffic signals, your skyscrapers, to bring justice to the stars?
Would you, perhaps, make a difference?
“Excuse me! I’m sorry, I just overheard your question, and it reminded me of a story…”
This is really cool. I am definitely following! This may seem odd but it reminds me of a pop song from a few years ago. I always found this line pretty poignant: "Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now." It always made think about the residents of the children's home where I worked. Those kids had lived in bad city neighborhoods all their lives. Most never really saw a starry sky.
I remember that song! And I feel bad for the children... I live in a city now, and whenever I visit where I grew up, I realize how much I missed the stars. I wish I could show it to them.
They were strong kids. I have not seen them for years, but something tells me they have found a way to see more of the world.
This is a great post. You could do a short story around it. I've heard rumors that if you go out in the middle of nowhere, you can still see a star or two on a clear night.
Agreed.. awesome writing.
Reading this part again - it's actually quite mindblowing.
I'm flattered that both of you feel that way! I hope to post a lot more on Steem, and your support means a lot. If I expand this story, you can bet that it'll be posted here.
Beautiful Justice : Turn off the lights just once a year and see the stars ✨ shine, dance and laugh at you . Balinese celebrate their new year in total darkness.....oh well ....Can you imagine the sky ?
Great story, sweet writing style. Following you. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Resteeming this! :D
Thank you!
I have given up the streets lights and wouldn't want them ever again to contaminate my starry nights! Thanks for sharing. All for one and one for all! Namaste :)
The stars fell on earth!