Where Light Begins by Tarynn Douglas

I woke where dawn first learned to sing
Beneath the vow the bright ones bring
Their breath was warm; their pulse was mine
A kingdom forged in fire divine
No night remains just morning gleam
The rising of every dream
They crowned me gold, they crowned me clear
And broke the chains I used to fear
They said, “You called and we became”
Your hope, your heart, your living name
Their hands were flame
Yet love was kind
A storm that cleansed a shattered mind

Biography:

I’m the kind of person who finds home in the world of Corpse Bride, the deep hue of nightshade purple, and the striking form of an acidic lily. As a Slytherin with a lifelong affinity for the macabre, I spend my time collecting crystals and building terrariums with ethically sourced bones and insects. This same aesthetic fuels my small business, Garnet Fox Creations, where I bring my love for unique, handmade pieces to life. Whether I am crafting or writing, I find constant inspiration in the raw energy of Billie Eilish, the vivid textures of Vincent van Gogh, and the atmosphere of Stephen King’s novels.

At 21, I am a first-generation student beginning my studies in psychology at Aims. My path to college has been defined by a deep sense of independence; I earned my GED on my own and am currently putting myself through school, having worked from a very young age. These experiences taught me to use art as a vital way to process my life. For me, poetry is like music—a rhythmic bridge between my natural and supernatural interests.

My work often explores themes that others might find uncomfortable, as I have always found a sense of solace in the dark. While art is not my only resource, it is an essential tool for my mental health, providing a release for complicated emotions and problems so I can process them with clarity. I write to show that these darker parts of life are not things to fear, but things to be lived with and understood. I hope my work encourages others to view their own creativity as a sanctuary and a powerful means of healing.