You Still Stay

Stephanie B. Duogee

my heart aches 

knowing you are 

still there—a place 

of no development, 

dreams go silent, 

hopes are forgotten. 

you stay.  

even when the wind blows, 

and the roofs 

are torn away, you stay

you are seen as nothing 

beyond a fisherman, 

a nobody in society. 

still, you stay

there is breathtaking air 

beyond this wall of no discoveries, 

waiting patiently for you

to choose it

seeing you 

makes my heart tremble 

like the fall of jericho’s walls, 

because you choose to stay

you chose to stay

yet my heart aches 

because through every storm, 

every crack, and every silence, 

you still stay

Bio: Stephanie B. Duogee is an Environmental Science student from Liberia with a strong interest in Chemistry and Environmental Law. Aspiring chemist dedicated to building a career focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and scientific solutions to real-world problems. She possesses strong skills in writing and leadership, with a thoughtful, shy personality that supports focus, observation, and academic growth. Passionate about learning, research, and contributing to a better environment through science.