My soul is built from the leftover arts and crafts of my childhood; broken watercolors, snapped-in-half crayons, and papier-mâché “chewed paper” masks smoothed over with tender hands. These fragments, these remnants of innocence, are woven together into the fabric of my being. Each piece, though imperfect and worn, carries a memory, a whisper of the past that speaks to the core of who I am.

In my darkest hours, it’s these very fragments that illuminate my path. The vibrant colors of broken watercolors splash light into the shadows, painting my fears with hues of hope. The snapped crayons, though small and fractured, draw lines of resilience across my heart. And the papier-mâché masks, molded with care, remind me of the faces I’ve worn and the strengths I’ve discovered beneath them.

These humble, seemingly insignificant pieces form the most luminous light bulb within me. They shine with the brilliance of forgotten dreams and unspoken joys, casting a warm, gentle glow that guides me through the night. In their light, I find solace and strength, knowing that the beauty of my soul lies not in its perfection, but in its patchwork of memories and love. ❤🙏🏾

©️ Beatriz Esmer