Last night we had a bonfire on the beach. In an unusual weather pattern for Crescent City, the sky was crystal clear. Lacking light pollution to muddy it, the Milky Way spilled out over our heads and we watched as Orion rose in the south.

My uncles and I stared up at the night sky and pondered the arrogance of those who could believe we are the only beings in the universe. The fire crackled nearby, children starting campfire songs and demanding more marshmallows. The buoy sang its singular note to warn and guide the ships at sea and we stood perfectly still, yet tossed in our emotions at the feeling of great insignificance.