Dear 2026, Discontented, on a worn-out sofa, I sit under bulb-light dim, watching the blue-light portal flicker faintly before my sight. You come - a mind-conjured monster with a toothy cheshire smile, waiting, looming; Will I know you, Formless - by your heavy steps, or lengthening shadow, looming?” while I am dragged, still screaming, to the lip of something new. Deluded, I am guided onward to another January stumble, another year, another prison with a design signed by yours truly. Yet by your end I will be better; I’ll rejoice, hard-won reward in-hand. Bindings I will loosen, though my heart is still encircled by dragons; on self-inflicted pressures I face down imagined dragons— tell me only of the sacrifice that's due. I play my hand and wager on success, with no arrogant intent. Hesitation free, I'll cut frayed strands in the hope of something new. Heart-deep, I thank those souls who stay beside me, keeping steps in check, as unfa...