To those still near, and those now far
To quiet friends and guiding stars
To laughter shared and battles braved
To every soul who ever stayed

Thank you.

For hands that reached when I was low
For truths you dared to let me know
For moments raw, for warmth, for pain
For teaching me to stand in rain

Thank you.

To those I’ve lost not out of hate
But time, or silence, or twist of fate
Know this – your presence left its mark
A ripple still within my heart

Even the ones where wounds ran deep
Who stirred the parts I fought to keep
Now I see with clearer eyes
Some storms were just my soul’s disguise

To every voice, each fleeting face
You shaped the steps that brought me grace
And if you’re gone, but not despised
You helped me grow, or realize

So take this verse, however brief
A quiet ode, a handkerchief
To catch the tears, or clean the slate
To honor love, and loss, and fate

To all who’ve walked but haven’t strayed
You’re in the after of my days
Not one of you was just a phase
You helped me write these better ways.

Thank you.