The Eclipse – How I Was Broken

 

Before You Read:
Every journey unfolds in steps, every tale in verses.
This poem is but a fragment of a greater whole, a thread in the tapestry of words.
It belongs to the Fragments of a Star, a tetralogy where each piece leads to the next, weaving a story that grows with time.
Here’s how the journey continues:
Part 1: The Star That Refused To Shine [Click here to view]
Part 2: The Light That Once Was [Click here to view]
Part 3: The Eclipse–How I Was Broken [Posted On: 7/02/2026]
Part 4: The Flicker Of Uncertain Dawn [Coming On: 10/02/2026]

Introduction: In this segment of my series, I explore the gradual, almost imperceptible process by which her inner light was drained away—not by one dramatic event, but by the countless small moments of giving that left her empty. She once shone brightly as a star, but in trying to illuminate the paths of others, she became a mere candle, dimming until she nearly lost herself entirely. This poem is a meditation on that slow, painful eclipse of my radiance.

In silent hours, my light began to wane, Each tender act transformed into silent pain. The world’s small thefts, like shadows in disguise, Eroded dreams that once soared toward the skies.

Each gentle word I offered turned to drain, Every kind gesture wrought a quiet strain. The love I freely gave became a heavy chain, Binding my heart, leaving only sorrow’s stain.

My youthful glow, once vibrant and so bold, Dimmed with every favor that the world would hold. Little by little, my brilliance slipped away, A fading ember succumbing to endless gray.

Day by day, demands encroached upon my flame, Turning gentle warmth into a burdened claim. The spark that lit my soul was slowly overthrown, Till even the faintest glimmer was scarcely shown.

I gave my light to those who sought my grace, But each selfless gift erased a piece of my embrace. The more I burned to guide another’s way, The more my own brilliance began to decay.

No longer a star that lit the boundless night, I became a candle, flickering in fragile plight. I burned to guide and comfort those in need, Yet in that giving, I lost myself indeed.

Every small sacrifice, every tear I shed, Drained the vibrant hues of the life I once led. Subtle betrayals, woven through each day, Left my inner radiance in disarray.

The cumulative weight of care turned into despair, A burden too great for one soul to bear. What once burned fierce now barely held a spark, Left shrouded in the heavy silence of the dark.

I stand a weary shell, where joy has ceased to be, A reflection of the self I no longer see. The cost of endless giving has left me worn and scarred, A life once radiant now forever marred.

So here I rest—a candle’s dwindling light, No longer a star to break through endless night. I burned to light the path for others, deep and vast, Yet lost myself in flames—my brilliance now long past.

Reflection: The Eclipse – How I Was Broken captures the slow, heartbreaking surrender of one’s inner radiance. It’s a tale of exhaustion, where the desire to help and illuminate the world ultimately dims the very light within. Comment your views below! 📌 Follow for more