Dear Reader, Good morning, good afternoon, and good night—wherever you may be in the world and however life finds you at this moment. My name is Ellon. I am a self-published author, and more specifically, a poet. First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for simply taking the time to read this note. Whether you're here out of curiosity, a love for poetry, or just stumbled across this book by accident, I am truly grateful that our paths have crossed. This book is more than just a collection of poems. It’s a piece of my soul—a reflection of the world as I see it, feel it, and experience it. It is written in a way that I hope will feel accessible and genuine. The intention behind this book is to serve as a reminder that life is complex—and in that complexity, you are never alone. I like to say that this is a book about life, happiness, and heartbreak. These are themes I believe every person has felt in one way or another. Life isn’t a straight path, nor does it come with a map or clear instructions. We all stumble through it, trying our best, learning as we go, hurting and healing. And sometimes, when we can't find the words to explain what we’re going through, poetry can do it for us. That is what this book aims to do—give a voice to emotions that are often felt but not always spoken. I hope that as you read, you feel seen. I hope that you feel less alone. I hope that something in these pages brings you a little bit of comfort, or courage, or even catharsis. And I hope that when you close this book, you carry something with you—a line, a thought, a feeling—that reminds you that being human is a beautiful, difficult, and ultimately shared experience. With all my heart, Thank you. Sincerely, Poet Rays