Humanity, about 300,000 years old, passed away struggling with natural causes.
But as we see it – they did it to themselves.
Humanity cannot be easily described, just as their loss cannot be comfortably quantified. Their very nature was a case study of duality. Their laughter and joy abounded when splashing in all bodies of water – even though they were mammals – while their bloodthirsty screams echoed through the cosmos.
As inspired artists, they crafted breathtaking works of art in every medium: painting, crocheting, music, and literature – to name just a few. But in times of interpersonal conflict, lit bonfires to burn those same exhilarating artworks.
They liked shiny objects and often collected them, frequently wearing them so they, too, would glitter. They loved these items so much, they invented an entire scientific system to measure the sparkliness of stones and metals. Then created a way to take advantage of each other through the trading of these naturally occurring materials.
They were charming. And cruel. They loved cuddling adorable creatures like babies while at the same time fighting the urge to eat it. They called this “cuteness aggression”.
They annihilated entire forests with a push of a button while others of the species tried to stop them. As lovers of natural beauty, humans were known to trek for days to sit atop a mountain, breathe the crisp air, and “drink in” nature’s wonders.
They were curious and stubborn. Bound to the ground by evolution but determined to take to the skies by harnessing the power of higher sciences, strapping rockets to things while “crossing their fingers.”
They leave behind their most loyal friends, dogs. And the cats – who were simultaneously worshiped like gods and cursed at like demons. The next probable dominant life form to become the planet’s Apex creature is another study in duality. A playful and deadly marine mammal, the Dolphins.
Humans will be remembered for their great potential, although it never materialized.
Janessa Keeling 
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