Inspiration: “Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl” by Broken Social Scene

The stars above us shine brightly. The wind blows gently as not to disturb us. All we hear are the delicate crickets and the soft sounds of the song.

“Now you’re all gone, got your makeup on, and you’re not coming back.”

The blanket below us is soft against our bare skin as it keeps us from the cold metal. “Come closer, baby,” they say as they throw an arm around my shoulders. I gently throw a lazy arm over their chest I feel at peace with the world as I hear their soft breath. We’re full of a hopeful, dreamy feeling.

We feel how right the world is in that moment—the sky, the song, the wind, the insects, and us. We all balance together in perfect harmony. Everything in the history of the world has led us up to this point. As the warm body next to me nuzzles closer the soft song lulls us into a deep sleep.

“Park that car, drop that phone, sleep on the floor, dream about me.”

Nothing can hurt us.

—By Marissa C., 15, Texas