We have survived the year
with memories warped by uneven time.
Like a flock of birds thrown off course
by winds of deceit, disease, and death.
Injured by betrayal, we lay stunned.
In isolation.
Until we heard a mismatched lullaby
calling us to sing and raise our hands –
not in surrender, but defiance.
And with that simple gesture
our vision cleared
and we swirled into the air.