Because moths will never turn into butterflies.
Because rainbows only appear after the rain and sun intermingle.
Because memories can be poisonous.
Because existence can be cleft by the razor-sharp edge of a hospital bracelet.
Because surviving isn’t the same as living.
Because the world didn’t end when it was supposed to, when death was pleaded for, when screams were more prevalent than smiles.
Because there are still so many people being failed by the system.
Because I’ll never forget.
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Over the course of 2025, a select group of young writers was invited to take part in a year-long writing program at Story Factory. Their goal was to produce a fully realised book of poetry. This is one of the books produced in these workshops.