They tried to bury you in ash and shade, to silence a fire that wouldn’t fade You kept the ember alive and warm, tending the flame through every storm A quiet glow, you rose in gloom, a light the dark could not consume I feel inspired by the kind of strength that doesn’t harden souls. There are those who have endured grief, brutality, abandonment; yet still choose to keep their hearts soft. They still radiate love & empathy. They don’t let the world turn them bitter. They are resilient and preserve their softness & warmth in a world that often teaches coldness. This capacity to feel & love deeply despite is all is what makes us truly human. ____ 4500x3500px Hand drawn on iPad