Because I found you in books, You were there when the storms seethed. When the darkness beckoned, you emerged. When I was afraid, alone , you held my hand. You tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, “do not be afraid”. When the claws of the journey pierced too hard, you held my hand and assured me that I was not alone. So here we are: Scared but relentless. Bold as ever, ready to lead the way. Path not cleared but the debris, not enough to stop us. Closer, the hurdle seems impossible but we won’t fade into darkness. Abandoned, but there is solace in you. Forgotten by the world but not by you.