Without light, there is no life

Without light, there is no life.
To walk in darkness is possible, yet temporary at best; for to keep moving forward, there must be light.
Whether dazzlingly bright or a dim glow, external or internal, new or everlasting, we are all children of the light, craving it as a thirsty child craves water.
Friends, love, kindness, these things illuminate and enrich our lives,
helping us to navigate darkened paths at twilight, awaiting the dawn that sometimes seems never to arrive.
But how can I see, how can I grow if the light goes out, and there is no flashlight, no full moon, no simple match?
If the brightest flame of friendship is no more, if a hardened heart is hurting and unable to care as before, no longer remembering the light he once gave?
Here the path is tricky, winding still, I must not fall or look back -- for the past itself is hazy, darkened by time and memory.
Only forward I must go, finding my own light in the slivers of gold bouncing off the mountain face, beams of the bashful sun who slowly peeks his head around the clouds.
A light so strong cannot be lost, only displaced, diverted, momentarily hidden, in need of another friendly light to show it the way, and let it shine once more.
Darkness cannot last forever, for light is far stronger and begets beauty, love, compassion, and hope.
In darkness there is nothing; in light, there is everything, and it is this light that I must now share with others.
Especially with you, for I must be that candle who can light any flame, give back to you who once lit my way.
For in light is healing, friendship, compassion, and a reminder that no matter how dark it gets, there is always a brighter path ahead -- and those who will light it for us.
Yes, it may be filled with rocks and inflame deep wounds inside our hearts, but the path to healing is never easy.
The way of light is not the easy way, yet it is the way we must travel to paint a future bright with hope, even if somewhat muted by pain.