Time continues to chase its smoky breath. Believing the footsteps have slowed, bones grow cold. A downpour of flowers serenade my abrupt exit, yet nobody knows the hurt. Nobody knows the damage done. They may not create an ambiance of melodic memories of peace, in my wake, in my supposed defeat. Memories of childlike smiles broken only by the lack of time. Wondering if the keeper of the keys to the hall of fame will ever utter my birth-given name. A priceless masterpiece painstakenly painted by love only to be destroyed by hate, jealousy, and prejudice. The dust unearthed serves only to fossilize the legacy of truth or to bear witness that it once existed and brought with it an unconquerable fire. Watch it burn. Burn the tongues that oppose it. Burn the boundaries that spend their lives trying to contain it. Watch it burn past experiences never to forget the sacrifices and blessings unseen. Unseen but inescapable. Whether or not truth and love are withheld the heat will still be felt. It will not be denied. Time does not stop and love will still burn.