1994, in L.A.

by Evan Sheldon

 

a blackout

had hundreds

calling 911. Perhaps

the first time

many saw

the milky way.

Strange, foreign

lights filled

the sky

like it was torn,

the heavens

leaking

through. Can

you imagine

a night

without any

lights? No

television, no

phone, no

porchlight, only

darkness & stars. I wonder

if I would

have the courage

to disregard my

safety, walk out,

and bathe

in something so

ancient and unhuman.

It’s easy

to feel

alone

when it’s dark

with only

the stars

shining.

Maybe

that is why

all those people

called. Not because

the operator

could fix the problem.

Maybe

they just needed

to hear another

voice

in the face of all that

silent

starlight.