In stars above

In the fireflies in the sky above, Gases collide with grace—no gaslighting~ They weave star-carpets that shimmer and wink, God’s lanterns flaring to soften our darkness. A fusion of hydrogen and helium nuclei~ Forms a premium spirit that sparkles, Like a naked flame through a bright hole in the dark, Yet forming galaxies remains their thrill. With self-gravity, bound as twinkling gems, Blind to our eyes till night removes their veils. But at the break of dawn, they come as our sun~ Patting the earth by closing in their distance. Our sun—our star—burns fiercest, shines nearest, Yet not like Wolf-Rayet stars that blaze beyond, Beaming ultraviolet and X-ray storms. Our sun’s own heat falls as snowflakes in its core. Still in this winking, silver-banded rainbow, Water boils as smoky fire, not as vapor. Blue flames are the chill of a mortuary’s breath, While the hottest star is a colder form of hell. So many dare a journey to the heart of stars, Yet through indulgence crave a pleasure-stay in hell, Where souls may burn in blue and blackened flame— Leaving no trace, no char, no ash behind. Written for the contest: This or That, Vol 34 Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh Contest Judged: June 29th, 2025 3:07:00 PM Placement: Second