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The Red Spark
For Zuo Ann
By Si Min
We applaud as a bright red head pops into the room,
Her perky voice lights us out of gloom
As she tells her story full of joy
One cannot help but wonder
How masked her troubles must have been
Much like a ruby hidden under rubble
After years of hardships and drilling
We can finally reveal the treasure
That lies underneath and
The red spark that shines through
What she has others might
Not yet see
She is a strong one
Though her body plea
Her not to be
As she wanders through the expedition of life,
Holding onto much courage, faith
And support given by those around her,
Miss Red emerged victorious
from her multiple battles.
She dreams of helping those like her,
She dreams of love,
Having received the like from her family.
She hopes to give an abundance of that
To others, having received much herself.
Oh My, Myasthenia Gravis?
It will always be a part of Miss Red
But her fiery passion never dulled the spark
Even with the Brittle bones, droopy lids, they will not stop
Miss Red from making Her mark on the world
She never seizes to amaze as she sings:
“To be a champion at life, is to conquer all odds,
even when Life throws you a curveball and makes you
Different”
She swerves and rises from the lowest lows,
With Faith along, to help her brave through the piles of snow.
Author's Note
​
Listening to Zuo Ann’s story, I felt a huge sense of passion and excitement, and I wanted to portray that in the poem! Despite her struggles living with Myasthenia Gravis, she was able to overcome her obstacles and work towards her life goals. I wanted to weave in her unwavering spirit and outlook towards life as I looked up to it. Her bright red hair also reminded me of her zealousness towards life—which is why I felt that the colour red was aligned with her story and her personality. I learnt a lot about what those with autoimmune diseases struggle with, and I hope readers can gain a similar insight as well!