Willow, your reflection on the poetic process is as illuminating as the verses themselves. Stripping down to the essence without losing the emotive power is no small feat, yet your final draft resonates with a poignant economy of words. The metaphor of finding a rainbow in the darkness is a beautiful encapsulation of hope amidst struggle. Continue to embrace the journey of rewriting, for it's clear that your persistence is as rewarding as the poetry you craft.