A Dirge for Kielle

[misscam]

kielle (aka _redpanda_) died the other day from very aggressive cancer. You can read more details here.

I didn't know Kielle too well personally. She was never what you'd call a close friend, but you don't always need to be a friend of someone to see the light they shine with. She was a force in fandom, passionate, opinionated and creative. She was never an easy person to disagree with, but we need those in the world, forcing us to rethink and find our own arguments. She had a sense of humour, a sense of enjoyment about what she did. She didn't live long, being only 32 when she died, but she did *live*. In this world where apathy sometimes seems the most dangerous enemy of all, that is a legacy to leave.

And most probably did know her through her fanfics, which were, if not to everyone's taste, works of dedication. She cared. She made others care. (Some in the CSI fandom might best know her as the origin of all those fun Post-Its. Think of her the next time you use them.)

I have no God I believe in to ask to watch over you, Kielle, but perhaps an atheist's thoughts will mean something even so. I wish you didn't have to leave us so soon. I wish you didn't have to endure such pain. I wish your family didn't have to lose you, as no family should have to suffer such a loss. I wish... I wish the world was more worthy of those who try to make a difference in it. But what is, is and the past cannot be changed.

The future still can.

I will miss your force in that shaping, Kielle. Rest in peace, silence and no pain.

Cattle die, kindred die,
Every man is mortal:
But the words' glory
Will never die
In honourable reminisce
- Håvamål