Let Us Count Seventeen Stars Till They Die

A 2 part short story series about the intersection of life and death as a human.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Let Us Count Seventeen Stars Till They Die is a two-part short story series exploring the metaphysical boundary between life and death through spiritual ritual, embodiment, and transcendence.

CONCEPT & INTENT
The series examines the human experience of spiritual surrender and transformation within communal worship. Using religious gathering as a symbolic space, the narrative reflects on the dissolution of the physical body and the elevation of spirit and soul. Through ritual, prayer, and embodied devotion, the work questions how many symbolic “deaths” occur within a lifetime, moments where ego, flesh, or identity dissolve to allow spiritual renewal.

MY ROLE
I authored the series, its meditative tone, symbolic language, and narrative voice. The work is delivered through a reflective storyteller perspective, guiding readers through spiritual experience and existential inquiry.

PROCESS & APPROACH
The narrative blends poetic prose with theological symbolism, using repetition, rhythm, and sensory imagery to mirror the cadence of liturgical ritual. The church setting functions as both a physical environment and a metaphysical threshold. The language I chose is intentionally incantatory and reflective, inviting readers into a contemplative state rather than a conventional plot-driven experience.

STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Presented as a two-part series, the work unfolds as a spiritual meditation, with each section deepening the exploration of embodiment, ritual surrender, and metaphysical transformation.

THEMES EXPLORED
Spiritual transcendence • ritual & embodiment • symbolic death & rebirth • faith & surrender • collective worship • metaphysical identity

OUTCOME & AUDIENCE
The series contributes to my body of contemplative and thought-provoking fiction, engaging readers interested in spirituality, existential reflection, and poetic narrative forms.

SKILLS DEMONSTRATED
Poetic prose writing • symbolic storytelling • theological & philosophical themes • sensory imagery • narrative voice development • contemplative narrative structure