The Hollowing

I once screamed But the echoes faded, And slowly, I lost my voice. I once cried Until the rivers dried, And slowly, I lost my tears. I once grieved But the weight grew lighter, And slowly, I bore it all. I once rejoiced But joy turned distant, And slowly, the world stood still. Now, all that remains Is an expressionless face, A gaze as unyielding as stone. In the void of my heart, Only perseverance lingers, A quiet, insignificant ember That belongs to me alone. Yet embers endure, Hidden beneath ash, A stubborn glow defying the dark. It flickers faintly, Whispering to the void: "I am still here." Though storms may howl, And shadows press close, This ember cannot be quenched. It waits patiently, For a breath, a spark, To ignite what was once lost. From this ember, A fire could rise— Not to destroy, But to warm the hollow soul. A flame to remind the world: Even the smallest ember Holds the power to burn bright.