in the palm of her hand she clutches a crystal

reflecting docile stars and shifting nebulae

gold and ruby chains dangle at her throat

the forests around are filled with beauty

the seas with colours and dreams

she closes her eyes, inhaling the world

in all its fabulous marvels

when she opens her eyes,

her hand is empty and caked with dirt

the skies are black and dull

only thorns surround her neck

haunting shadows lurch forth from the woods

the seas are dark and haunting -

all her world has been taken,

taken by fire and the pain of truth.