How To Lie About SN 2213-1745

Photograph by Christopher Marquez

Deny she was ever a star,
or, failing that,
deny she ever went nova.

Deny that she burnt
brighter than galaxies,
brilliant in ultraviolet.

Or admit those facts,
ten billion years old,
and invent the backstory.

Pretend she was spurned,
that despair drove her
to destruction.

Deny her strength.
Deny her independence.
That she chose to shine.