by Sebastian Jones

As I look outside my window

Towards the ceiling of the universe,

Away from Bones and Satchel

Who drag their oversized trash bags around town

like their past,

I stare southward at the Northern Star.

Big Carlos and Iron Mike post a frightened exoskeletal boy

Up on the side of the liquor store wanted sign

Attached to a telephone pole.

No one cares.

Just as this fragile boy glares into their eyes,

I stare into the skies.

In the midst of the darkness

Lights shine divinity

With ancient mega-sized light bulbs

Illuminating the ebony top floor basement called Earth.

Out the window,

I see Bones and Satchel

Eyes sparkle

Stars in the midst of their space-colored flesh.

Big Carlos and Iron Mike’s eyes become mirrors

Reflecting the exoskeletal boy’s future.

As I stare out my window,

I see hope.

Sebastian Jones is a rising spoken-word artist on the Nashville scene. He is a junior at Hunters Lane High School. He plans to attend Vanderbilt University and receive a degree in astronomy.

Youth Speaks Nashville is building a culture of literacy in Middle Tennessee through spoken-word and creative-writing residencies, workshops, open mics, slams, and shows. Contact info@youthspeaksnashville.org for more information.