Young Writers Project is a creative online community of teen writers, photographers and artists, which has been based in Vermont since 2006. Each week, VTDigger features the writing and art of young Vermonters who publish their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for 12- to 18-year-olds. To find out more, visit youngwritersproject.org, or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwritersproject.org and 802-324-9538.
Every big city has its problems, but no doubt light pollution is one that could use a spotlight now and again. This week’s featured poet, Rachel Brassard of Montpelier, uses the topic as a loose framework to speak about our place in the universe and the necessity of leaving our central hubs every so often to experience the natural world, starry sky and all.
To see the universe
Rachel Brassard, 13, Montpelier
The universe exists everywhere,
but it’s hidden,
in every second of silence,
in every mindful moment.
Only there can you see the wholeness of the world.
Only when you step out of the city,
with its noise and smoke,
and you step into the woods –
so silent,
so full of life,
real life –
only then can you see the stars.
Never in the city,
where dreams can be lost and hope can die,
never in those human spaces.
For the universe is not human,
and it will not reveal itself
unless one becomes part of the universe.
To see the universe,
sit in silence.
Ground yourself,
frolic in nature,
watch the stars.To see the universe,
recognize your place as part of it,
and look within
by looking out.