Spoilers etc etc.
Theme: While I do feel you were more explicit in your more abstract interp of the theme, it feels like that expansion was mostly off screen, done inbetween the passages of time.
Story: A curious tale of a friendship. I thought your poetry breaks were quite curious. I liked how at least that first one felt like some measure of form poem (which would be appropriate with the cultural narrative going on), albeit that didn't seem to be maintained throughout.
I thought it was nice how you presented they could communicate after quickly introducing the possibility otherwise.
It was nice to see some polished poetry, albeit I think that may have been a good moment to either mute the audio or pick a different track for those moments to let the poetry speak above the music.
I felt like the apology felt a bit weighted too much on one side at the end, but I think that's probably true to life, in that regard.
Presentation: Your sprites were refreshing stylistically, and I think you used the repeating environments well, although I think maybe like a filter or something to help reflect the passing of time/seasons would have enhanced them just a bit futher.
Creativity: I liked your bold choice to bring in the poetry scenes, and your cultural clash with the individual acting as a sort of metonomy for all lir's people, even if that's unjust of a comparison to make.
Overall thoughts: Nice job on your work! It was punchy, short and impactful. I appreciated the PoV you put out with this work, and thought it was one that wasn't always well explored in this space. Well done again.