1945: the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima left utter destruction in its wake.

Yet, six ginkgo trees were left standing.

Defying odds, expectations, logic.

These "bearers of hope" are a beacon.

Some of the very few living things to survive within the blast site.

They are still standing today.

For centuries, ginkgo have been symbols

of resilience, hope, endurance,

sacred spaces, duality, 

and the harmony of men + women working together.

Considered survivors above all else, quietly healing and eternally patient.

Echoing a call to abide, not sprint.

Ground zero is harsh, a trial by fire.

But we, too, are made for harder things.

Outlasting the heavy, hostile, and harsh.

Defiant, resilient, bearing witness.

Golden threads woven into our story.

Mending, restoring, making whole.

Unweary, unwavering, steady, sustained.

Holding both the harmed and the healed.

Making sacred space of soiled ground and salted earth.

Bearing the fruit of hope.