Love as resistance - Valentine's Special

By Faduma Ali

This year, love doesn’t show up as roses
or heart-shaped cards.
It shows up in people
checking in, staying close,
asking, did you make it home?

It looks like neighbors looking out for each other,
like doors opening without questions,
like a quiet support
when the world feels loud and aggressive.

When fear tries to take up space,
love takes up more.
It stands nearby,
speaks up,
refuses to look away.

While some build walls,
love takes another route.
It says you belong,
you matter,
you are not alone here.

Maybe that’s what love is right now
showing up for one another,
holding each other close,
choosing care again and again.

Not just a feeling,
but a promise:
we keep each other safe.