The first thing I saw upon opening my eyes today was the planet Mars. Cold little fire in the early morning sky.
‘Hey Mars’, I said. ‘Save me.’ To which Mars calmly replied: ‘I got nothing.’
Honestly, I was somewhat taken aback. But as I stared across the millions of miles of space, I saw not Mars but the light of the Sun, reflected. And I thought about the other side of this star-like planet, now sheathed in darkness. A jet passed high above. I pictured the passengers inside, people on their way somewhere. So far and yet so close as well.
A bird flew past the window; fast. And then some more, buffeted by the breeze. Mars was growing dimmer, and I had to concentrate to keep it in focus. Two more jets, their contrails now lit by the rising Sun. Seagulls, playfully riding the thermals.
All this I could see. Yet the air was also filled with microorganisms, invisible to the eye but very much part of this marvelous froth of life. I felt this overwhelming connection to everything and nothing, as nothing was actually something. And I understood with a clarity that felt like pure joy that even when I was no longer me, life would go on.
At last glance, the bright planet was obscured by daylight. Far, far away. There, but not there.
Thanks for nothing Mars 
