Light Pollution by Valerie Parente

It’s not normal to be so bright
all of the time
and the more you force it
the less meaning you’ll find.
If you’re plagued by the artificial
you might as well be blind
because the light pollution
blocks out the natural skies
and there’s a reason we live
in a world that turns to night;
it is not to make you sad
it is meant to highlight
that you’re entitled to be somber
it is your natural right
but the stars can take it from here
so turn off the lights.
We don’t need all this pollution
and the push to be contrived
you don’t need to fake a smile
you are allowed to cry
that duality is night and day
and what it means to be alive.

– Valerie Parente (8-3-2025)