pirit 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.

Spirit that the world said no to,
jewel overlooked, I recall
the black rooms that you curled in as a seed
awaiting sprout; how you whispered
to a foetal self-belief that kicked
into the ailing darkness, drunk with its own vigour.
How you resurrected a phoenix; how
your patient hands caressed the timid coal,
to raise the flame of self that licked the waking sky.
Fire assigned your role - your gaze
burst with the halo of a clear assurance;
grace hypnotised the earth on which you danced.

Spirit that the world said no to,
unencumbered gem, I recall
the vital prism of your laughter
ensnaring youths; how every heartbeat craved
with the hunger of a tiger underfed,
to beat in perfect, steady unison with yours.
How you came to know the tyranny of time; how
you laboured to endure the tilts and slings,
Spirit, Spirit that the world said no to,
how you synthesised the light of your own YES!