To be human is to experience imperfection, to encounter flaws, to stumble and mess, leaving behind traces, tears, and stains. Yet amidst the chaos, we find beauty—like brushstrokes on a canvas, painting the tapestry of our lives and the paths we follow. These strokes craft the same celestial wonders we all behold, from the sunrise to the tranquil moon hung high above. But even the moon was once broken and tattered.

We are all subject to scrutiny, to being prodded and poked by life’s unpredictable hands. Each word we utter, each action we take, carries significance, embedding fragments of ourselves into the fabric of others’ existence. Like a virus, these pieces linger in memories, shaping identities and narratives for years to come.

As humans, we are destined to disrupt, to deconstruct and reconstruct, forging new narratives and creations from the remnants of our past. Our presence leaves undeniable marks upon the world and in the hearts of others, reminding us that even the smallest gestures hold profound meaning. 

Featured image graphic by Emily stephens

PHOTOS BY NIKI KOWAL