Erin gazes at the vast night sky contemplating her insignificance. The realization that we are but mere specs adhered to a rotating sphere of matter in a virtually unexplored universe. There are billions of stars in our galaxy and billions of galaxies beyond. She thinks what does it matter? That the stars we see are already dead by the time the light from far off galaxies reaches our epic telescopes, she knows. But, the stars she sees with her own eyes are very much alive. Orbiting each of those stars is at least one planet. A planet that may harbor life; possibly beings of higher intelligence than humans. What may happen if intelligent alien life makes itself known? Will humans finally unite as a single race? Erin laughs at the bizarre path her mind has taken. So much for relaxing under the stars.
dVerse – Prosery host Dora from PilgrimDreams.com, prompts us to write a piece of property of no more than 144 words incorporating the lines “What does it matter[;] That the stars we see are already dead.” Lines taken from Amy Woolard’s poem, “Laura Palmer Graduates”.
Featured image generated with Bing AI, altered by author.
JJJ Interactive Books 
Alas I fear, humans can never unite…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh… fiction.
LikeLike
Stars make us do that, contemplate our insignificance “under the vast night sky.” I love how you make her go from that to what may be possible: “A planet that may harbor life,” that “humans finally unite” — Such a natural progression of thought, of hope. Loved this reflective story, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dora!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most welcome! 💞
LikeLike
Love the question you pose near the end … my answer would be “doubtful.” Nice writing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Helen! 😊
LikeLike
Jennifer I wonder that same thing. Honestly, it may be the *only* thing that will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLike
I relate to Erin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊 Thanks, Melissa!
LikeLiked by 1 person