inspired by the image by photographer, Jackie Heitchue jackieheitchue.com
What Will Be Forgotten
Such fuss over gold and diamonds
babies in the grand scheme of things
what is a measly billion or two years
growing in the ground
compared to quadruple that
spent
hurtling through
the cold silent universe
passing suns
and solar systems
crashing into other solid objects
and changing trajectory
over the eons
until the smallest
portion-
the most lasting bits-
enter Earth’s atmosphere
and arrive with a fiery show
to be gathered by a wizard
to forge Excaliber
or a ring of simple striated metal
worn by the soul
who truly knows its value-
far beyond that of pedestrian diamonds and gold
that litter shopping mall jewelry cases
This- like a lifetime of gathered wisdom
is the true treasure
we leave behind
as we blaze our way through life
ending, scattered, in the Earth after our fiery show
and guarded by the lucky few
who know our story
they make sure that we are not
what will be forgotten
