Last journey

I'm waiting anxiously at the station

always took a spaceship from a distance,

a mere piece of metal furniture

in space, for a flying star I'm about to catch

heading for Mercury

500 millions miles from IO,

where I was born 82 years ago

It will take me 7 years to reach you —

my one and only love of the youth

met on the planet Earth, to whom I promised

to visit again in whatever corner in the universe

I figured it might be my last journey

I savor the passing views,

as well as the memories of our love, countless

as the stars surrounding me, still glowing

Seven years went in a blink

and I see your planet.

Then I remember your saying:

The space is such a small place for two loving hearts.

But, what about you?

Do you still remember your words,

and this promise that I did everything to keep?

Did you ever think of me, for a second

among the years and lightyears between us?

Will you still recognize me,

through my devastated visage?

…

…

I become more and more upset

while getting closer and closer to you

I keep asking myself what if…

My heartbeats accelerate

I start to feel thirsty, drained,

unable to breathe,

I keep burning,

sweating,

trembling,

suffocating,

starting to lose senses,

before seeing an explosion of the light in front of my eyes

and I lost my sight

I'm now fatally close to the sun

89 years old, alone in the orbit, far from home

yet keeping flying towards you at full speed

I gather my last strength,

and wave at your direction

before turning into a burning blast

Did you make a wish upon a falling star from afar?

Kyd

Nov.7 2018

St. Jerome in the Wilderness - Albrecht Durer