There are things,
Dark and secret things,
That hide in people.

Carving up the bone
And nestling in the marrow.
Sinking sharp claws in kidneys.

But you-
You darling of beauty, you diaphanous prism of light,
You cracked star shining-

You exist and therefore there is brilliance in the world.

You are a city of light
Set up on a hill for all to see.
All who come to you, are touched by your brightness.

You are a candescent and fiery thing.
Like the sun and lightning
There can be no shadows or true darkness near you.

And so,
Those who are empty-
Filled only with insubstantial night and shades,
With chiseled bones and a gloom that carries claws-
Recoil and lash out against you.

But you are bright, shining and marvelous.
Like the sun and lightning
You will again rise, and you will strike once more.

You are fire and a prism and a fortress of light.
You are glowing and brilliant and effulgent.
You are so very, very beautiful.
You are all things good.

Lady,
‘Fierce’ does not begin to plumb the depths of who your are.
Shine on.