My Own Light

— The Third Visit to the Hearth

~~Lyra Fenelle, 09 August 2025

Prelude to the Road

Dressed by sunlight’s gentle touch,
Adorned with fragrance’s grace—
Earrings sharp as swords,
Hair straight and neat as pine needles.

Along the road,
Some apologize for slowing down,
Some hurry, others step aside—
Each footfall a quiet beat
In winter’s soft refrain.

Along the Way

By the roadside,
Pines stand proud with steadfast poise,
Their forms diverse, yet all rejoice;
Eucalyptus sheds its coat,
Yet spirit lingers on.

Faint magnolia blooms appear,
Pink petals ‘gainst winter’s blue,
Pure and unperturbed,
Like dreams untouched, anew.

Beyond,
Mist and golden light entwine;
Among rolling hills and fields,
Woodland cottages,
Mountain estates in quiet grace—
No clamour here,
Yet fires burn and life breathes near.

I breathe it deep—
Dreams begin to swell:
Pages turning by the hearth,
Pine forests framed by glass,
Tea’s aroma fills the air.

Arrival

Fire crackles,
Steak sizzles in iron pan, beans curl gently.
Between us and the chef,
Plates in neat, colourful rows—
His humble stage:
Slicing, frying, pouring, garnishing—
Setting warmth and colour
Like whispered poems for winter nights.

The chef sees me and smiles,
I show him photos from my last visit.
A little girl from the next table
Whispers as she leaves,
“I like your outfit.”

My Own Light

Not asking praise,
Yet open to reveal;

Not cast as someone else’s shadow,
But my own light, real.

If a spark of art
Becomes a scene in others’ sight—
That too is joy,
A soft, enduring light.

I must hold fast to my dreams,
To what I love.
I cannot be another—
I will be my own light.

Most speak of balance—
I crave the fullest flame—
One hundred percent passion,
Pure and untamed.

Most seek the spotlight—
I cherish retreat,
To walk the world
Yet keep my soul untouched—
This is my way.

Afterglow

To bind our memories,
And journey forth with you anew

Thank you for shaping today’s path;
Thank you for leading to sea-meets-sky;
Thank you for flowers blooming quietly before spring;
Thank you for embracing my shifting tides;
Thank you for urging wild, wise growth.

May you be bathed in light,
Warmed by the fire’s embrace,
And gently held by time’s soft grace.