“Solaris” by Liam Evans

To experience its birth, 

A ray of sunlight: 

 

It’s like stepping into the morning air 

As the fragments of golden warmth 

Fall through the leaves, caress your skin; 

Gently— 

Flirtatiously. 

 

It’s like lighting a candle: 

The flame burning warm, subtle,  

The sweet air of vanilla 

Fondly filling your lungs. 

 

And, to experience its passing, 

A golden supernova: 

 

It’s like looking into space, 

As the cloud of everything that is a part of you 

Transcends time, scatters into infinity; 

Brilliantly— 

Catastrophically. 

 

It’s like closing your eyes: 

The streaks of light shine hot, bright, 

The remnants of before 

Remind you of what was. 

 

Of what could have been.