On 2026-08-10, an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, leaving damaged buildings, families in uncertainty, and deep emotional wounds. ^[1] A devastating earthquake struck Cali and the Valle del Cauca region in Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing significant structural damage and loss of life. ^[2] Javier Tafur González, a writer, poet, lawyer, researcher, and university professor from Cali, was inside a twelve-story building when the earthquake hit. ^[3] Tafur later wrote the poem 'Dureza y fragilidad de la vida' as a personal and collective catharsis in response to the earthquake. ^[4] Tafur González stated that the poem serves as a 'tabla de salvación' (table of salvation) for emotional release and collective catharsis following the disaster. ^[5] Writer Javier Tafur González published a poem titled 'Dureza y fragilidad de la vida' to address the tragedy and provide collective catharsis. ^[6] Javier Tafur González said, 'What remained? The dialogued word to vent and the poem for personal and collective catharsis as a life raft.' ^[7] The poem reflects on the mortality of humans, noting that despite scientific advances, people remain mortal and will eventually return to dust. ^[8]