Spirit that the world said no to,
unwatered wallflower, I recall
when your days had the mercy
of callous warlords; when every eye condemned
with the nature of a solemn judge,
and burnt you at the stake of fierce indifference.
How you toiled with that puzzle of ashes; how
each dawn's ruthless jackboot kicked them
from the cradle of your patient hands.
Darkness assigned your role - cast
you as a wraith to dwell upon a shadow's fringe:
close enough to witness light; enslaved beneath the pall.