The clouds hang low as her heart mourns,
The loss of one so dear.
The lantern makes shadows on the water,
Glimpses of memory warns.
Her eyes begin to tear.
On this day a year ago, her family was brought to slaughter.

Onward does life continue to flow,
Like the river there below her.
The pillars crumble and fade in time,
Memories quickly follow.
Facts fade with time and begin to blur
Till all that remains is sublime.

One chooses what to remember,
Be it mindful or unconscious.
A heart and mind can only hold so much,
Like a fire, memories burn to embers.
Each event is there to teach us.
We can learn the lesson or find a crutch.

Hold onto the people who touch your heart,
Let go of the hate and pain.
For innocence and purity are hard to impart.
Learn and take heart so that sacrifices are not in vain.

Alone she sits her head on her knee.
Tears are shed for the night.
Up rises her head as she utters a decree:
“I will remember! I will continue to fight!
Each of you will live on through me!”

These words filled her up and were able to ignite,
The flame in her heart and soul.
Now she trembled as new strength was kindled.
She stared at the stars,
Finding new hope from their bright light.
And she felt lonely no more.