Fragments of Frost and Fire - Episode 6 - UNCLOUDED

 The world around me shapes my words and thoughts.

Today, it was the story of a young woman—the valedictorian of an Ottawa high school—being punished for speaking out about the evils of this world. The same education system that taught her to think critically, to speak with conviction, is now trying to silence her.Unclouded

They say the young don’t see the worldfor what it truly is—but maybe they see it better.

Not yet blinkered bythe cataracts of life:compromise, comfort,the slow erosion of outrageby daily breadand discounted dreams.

They see with eyesnot fogged by history,not dimmed bythe weary mathof what will sell,what will pass,what won’t rock the boattoo much.

We sit idle in the couch cushionswe’ve moulded to our shape,not noticing how longwe’ve sunk there,how the springs gave outyears ago.

But the young rise,

refusing to settle long enough

to shape the world to their laurels,

choosing instead to push against walls,

and break down barriers.

They rise,and their voices cut through the hush—sharp, unwavering,not yet trimmedto fit insidewhat we call acceptable.

A young womanat a microphone,naming genocidein her valedictory breath—truth ringing louderthan the applause.
They rise,and the world stirs:from courtroom stepsto climate marches,from drowned coaststo burning hills,they walk out of our silenceand into the storm.

The next generationof warriors—not armed with cynicism,but clarity—released like arrowsinto a skywe thought too heavy to pierce.

And we call themidealists,as if that werea sin.

But maybe—just maybe—they are the oneswho see clearly,because they haven’t yetlearned to look away.

 

Support Independent Content Creation

I know, I know, I know...

These donation messages can be intrusive. I understand that. (Trust me, I feel awkward writing them too!)

But reaching out like this is crucial. Being reader-funded gives my work something valuable that many content creators don't have: true independence.

1. Your support means I can write about what matters. I'm not chasing sponsorships or compromising my voice to please advertisers. I can pursue stories and topics I believe are important, creative, and thoughtful, regardless of their commercial appeal.

2. Your support means I don't have to chase viral trends. Instead of engineering clickbait or jumping on every passing bandwagon, I can focus on creating thoughtful content that genuinely adds value to your life.

3. Your support means this content remains freely accessible. My work stays available to everyone, including those who can't afford to contribute financially right now. Quality independent content should be accessible to all.

I understand not everyone is in a position to contribute, but if you found any value in this post you can

For the price of a coffee, you'll enable me to invest more time in creating in-depth, creative journal posts and episodes of the Stone & Signal podcast. If you'd like to contribute more, consider purchasing one of my e-books (priced at roughly two cups of coffee) – a way to support my work while gaining additional value for yourself.

Thank you for considering. Your support makes all the difference.