
Nighttime falls inside the doors of the beautiful hotel
an experience to tuck away in my memory box
Many sprint here and there following their agendas
in the midst of mild chaos –
some scrambling from point A to point B,
wondering what happens next
or maybe they’ll discover a cozy spot like mine
with a small, round table and chair
in my private slice of darkness
An unexpected power outage doesn’t stop me
Who doesn’t wish for a little light,
but functioning without it…
bring on the adventure!
As I look around in blackness and listen,
words flutter nearby
I feel their gentle presence like a hummingbird’s
I exercise patience, pen in hand, journal lying open
like a flower in bloom ready to soak up sunshine
A page lies in wait until it feels satisfied with
vowels and consonants tumbling upon its lined surface
The flameless candles glow, yellows dance a jig,
comfort in my bones
chaos maybe, but laughter echoes in the distance
I accept a complimentary champagne
validating my existence
And so, it is in darkness when I become inspired
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
This poem was written during a power outage at the
writers conference in February.

Thank you! 🙏
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful day. ❤️
You are so right. That feeling, of the world, the one I missed because I was always working/ moming/whatevering. Nice.
I’m glad my poem resonated, Jacqui. Thanks for your kind words. 💞
Beautiful!
I loved it very much and found that the image of the words fluttering close like a hummingbird is fabulous
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Luisa, and for pointing out the line that spoke to you. I appreciate it very much. 💕
You are welcome my dear Lauren. 🌺
It is a pleasure, as always
💖🌷
Love those words that ring true, so beautiful, Lauren
“with a small, circular table and chair
in my private slice of darkness”
Thanks so much, Cindy! It paid off to make the best of the situation. 💕
💓🙏💓🙏💓so glad to know!!! 👍🏽
Yes, darkness never betrays. It inspires and steers us toward light. Beautifully said, Lauren. Words always whirl around me too and the symbol of hummingbird is so apt!
Thanks for your lovely words, Balroop, and hummingbirds seem to land in many of my poems. I love them, and they remind me of my late mom. 💞
I love this, Lauren. You brought such a strong visual to life through these words. I was sitting there with you!
What a beautiful thing to ‘say’ Jan! Thanks so much! 💞
A beautiful poem Lauren
Thanks so much, Sadje. 💞
You’re welcome
A wonderful visual. Darkness can be inspiring.
Thanks, Darlene! The outage was a surprise, but I had to make the best of it. The champagne was a bonus. 🥰❤️
So true there is always light in the Darkness, Lauren 🙂
Thanks, Denise. The outage was on the first day, but I did a lot of writing as best as I could, then went out to dinner with some women I met. It turned out to be a good day. And the power came back on at 9 pm. 🥰
“It is in darkness when I become inspired”
Amazing stuff👏✨️
Thanks very much! 💓
Hi Lauren, I must admit that I don’t like being plunged into sudden darkness. You are, however, right to make the most of it.
Hi Robbie, the outage was on the first day and definitely not on the agenda. So, I did make the best of it, enjoyed some writing by candlelight, 😁 and then went out to dinner with a few women I met. The power came back on later in the evening. So, it turned out pretty well. Darkness can be scary or calming, depending on the circumstances. 💕
I don’t mind darkness in the bush. I fear it in the city where it acts as an incentive to crime.
I agree, Robbie. Darkness in the right way is key.
Darkness escorts the distraction away and leaves you and your pen alone with your journal by your side. A beautiful poem, Lauren! 😍
I love your first line, Miriam, so beautifully said. Thanks so much! 🥰
You’re welcome, Lauren. ❤
Beautifully said Lauren. I love – “As I look around in blackness and listen
words flutter nearby…”
What a splendid visual my dear! 🌞💡🌞
Thanks so much, Kym! I like that line too! 🙂 Sending hugs, my friend 💞🤗🙏
😍🥂💖💐🥰
Finding light into darkness is a real gift Lauren. I really like how you penned your poem. It’s inspiring!
Take care
Thanks for your lovely words, Marie. I’m glad you found my poem inspiring. I had to make the best of an unexpected situation. xoxo
We don’t need (or want) too much razzmatazz in our lives. A bit of darkness can have a calming effect.
That’s true, Anneli. And this day turned out to be calm. Then out for dinner with some women I met which was fun, and the power came back on around 9 pm. Crazy, but it all worked out.
That’s good. Sounds like a nice day after all.
Even in darkness, there’s light in patience, creativity, and the simple comforts around us.
Well said, Willie. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
You are very welcome
Excellent
Thank you!
This is so beautiful Lauren 💕
I cant quote a line because I love them all.
Thank you 🥰❤️🥰
Thanks so much, Maggie. It was a crazy thing to happen, but it turned out to be a good time to hunker down and write. And the champagne was nice too. 🙂 xoxoxo
Aww you are very welcome Lauren.
Life always gives us what we need to write, good or bad.
Much love my friend 😘xoxox
True, Maggie, writing inspiration comes from all corners of life, good and bad, as we both know. Much love to you and big hugs! xoxoxoxo
Indeed Lauren.
Take good care my friend ❤️🙏❤️
Love and warm hugs to you lovely lady xoxox
Sending you all the same, Maggie! You are so lovely and kind, my friend. xoxoxoxoxo
Aww thank you Lauren xoxoxo
Now my wee arms are getting sore again 😘😁😘
Haha! Mine too! 😍🥰🙃😘
Yaay 😘🙏❤️😁😘
You describe the experience well Lauren. I loved the line ….
A page lies in wait until it feels satisfied with
vowels and consonants tumbling upon its lined surface
I love a blank page in my journal … with Pen poised at the ready…
It does help if we have light though 🙂 to see what we are writing 🙂
May the Light forever shine for you dear Lauren and how wonderful to be at a writers conference…
Sending much love your way… Enjoy the rest of your week… ❤ xx
Thanks so much, Sue. This happened on the first day, so it was a bit crazy. But I actually enjoyed the quiet time. Writing was challenging without light, but the candles made it doable, not ideal, but doable. 🙂 I know, there’s something special about a blank page in a journal with pen ready. I’m glad that line stood out for you. The conference was last month and a wonderful experience. I plan to go next year if all works out. Sending love and hugs your way too! xoxoxoxo
Wonderful xx 😘 ❤️
💖💖💖
I enjoyed the calming respite from the madness that surrounds us.
That’s wonderful, Liz. It was crazy at first, but when I found my cozy spot, it was all good. The power came on later in the evening. 🥰
A few hours without power, okay. A few days without power, not okay. 🙂
Oh, I agree, Liz. We’ve been without power for a week and that was tough. 🙂
Lovely Lauren… I sat outside tonight in the dark and looked up at the clear starry night sky… it is amazing what you can see… ♥
Thanks so much, Sally. It was a nice quiet time in the midst of the chaos. And the champagne was the cherry on top. 🙂 And your moment outside sounds lovely too. 💞
Wonderful poem, Lauren.
Thanks so much, Edward!
You’re very welcome.
That is a beautiful poem. 💕
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I wrote a few others, but they need massaging. 🙂 ❤️
lovely words, and sometimes we find our light in unexpected places
Thanks, Beth, and so very true! 💞
This is very beautiful poetry Lauren, thank you for sharing it. I was really taken with the same line as Sue… brilliant wording.
Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Steve. I’m glad you liked this poem and that line too. 🤗🙏
You’re very welcome, Lauren. 🤗🙏🏼☀️
❤️🙏🤗
I like this phrase: “And so, it is in darkness when I become inspired.” Sometimes, experiencing darkness is a blessing. We appreciate how important light is.
Thanks for your kind words, Hazel. So true too. Sometimes darkness can be frightening, but in this case, I made the best of it and it was nice. 💞
Yes, and that’s great, Lauren. You’re always welcome. Have a joyful day! Stay lovely and kind.
Reminds me of the countless times spent in hotels on business trips with people always scurrying around to meet deadlines. Never had a blackout though.
I can just picture the people scurrying around, Ian. The blackout was an adventure, but it worked out for me. 🙂
So much comes from darkness. Beautiful poem! Enjoy your travels and adventure, Lauren.
Yes, some bad, but some good too. Thanks so much, Wynne! And this was written during the writers conference last month. No traveling right now. ❤️
Dear Lauren, thank you for sharing this inspired moment with us. Beautiful metaphors and the message of hope. 🕊️🕯️
Thanks for your lovely words, Michele. There’s something about making the best of an unexpected situation. 🙂 💞
Absolutely, yes! Life’s endearing moments and sweet surprises. 🥰
I recall power outages at the farm as boy, when summer lightning storms rolled in. It’s such a different world in the dark, reading with a flashlight, listening to the silence (everything’s pretty much silent for me nowadays). Sounds as though you had an enjoyable experience, Lauren. 😊
Hi Mike, if it’s the right kind of darkness, then it can have a calming effect and provide inspiration. This moment was that kind of darkness on the first day of the conference, so a bit surprising. But it turned out well, and then since the restaurant was closed due to no power, a bunch of us women went out to dinner which was fun. I enjoyed your memories, but I’m not a fan of lightning. 🙂 Thanks for chiming in, my friend. 🤗
How beautiful, Lauren. Even in darkness, we can find inspiration. It seems you made the best out of the situation. Hugs! 🏵️🌞
Thanks so much, Eugi, and it all turned out well. The power came on around 9 pm. Thankfully, I had light by the time I went up to my room. 🙂 Hugs to you! 🤗❤️
You’re welcome, Lauren. 🫠💗
💞🌺🤗
I’m in awe of how you found inspiration in the darkness. Beautiful words Lauren ❤️
Perfect ending to a magical night
Thanks so much, Ritish. I think the fact that this happened at a writers conference was probably a big factor. 🙂 But it was nice with the candles and champagne. I wrote a few others, but they need some editing. Have a good day. 🥰🙏
The right kind of darkness can be inspiring.
The right kind of darkness – this is key, Binky. 🙂
Hello, soul sister…I love these words:
…”a cozy spot like mine
with a small, circular table and chair
in my private slice of darkness…”
Your description is calming. The sort of quiet that you can only find in the shadows and contrary to a lot of popular opinion, I think loads of inspiration can be found when we retreat and observe and let the low light…lack of light…guide us. You do this so well, Lauren and then share with us oh-so generously. Thank you! 🥰💕🥰
Soul sister, love it, Vicki! I could suddenly hear Train singing in the distance…https://youtu.be/kVpv8-5XWOI?si=w9Ys1TUhp3LxPgpL (not the same meaning, but the same words) LOL
And thanks so much for your insightful and beautiful words! This happened on the first day of the conference, so there was a bit of drama. But instead of panicking, I leaned into it, found that table, and wrote. 🙂 And then I was offered champagne. I mean, what could be better, right? 😘 Anyway, I’m glad you liked this poem! ❤️🙏🌷
Fabulous! That’s the song that was in my head when I shared my comment. I love it, too, and it totally came to mind when I read your beautiful post!
🥰😎🥰 Yay!
Aww, perfect! 🎶🎤🎹🚞🥰💞
!!!🥰❤️🥰!!!
🌻💕🥂🌻😘
This is a good poem, Lauren. Maybe there are less distractions in the dark.
Thanks, Mary, I appreciate your kind words. In this case, I hunkered down and felt inspired. 💞
I love a dimly lit adventure. Love the idea of your words. Very nice, Lauren.
Thanks for your kind words, Audrey. I’m glad you enjoyed this poem. 💞
Excellent thoughts and the fluttering of a humming bird is fantastic Lauren 💓💓🙏
Thanks for your lovely words, Kamal! I appreciate them! 💕🤗🌺
Calm and peaceful, Lauren!
Thanks, Dawn! It turned out to be a good day and evening in spite of the power outage. 🙂
beautifully evoked scene with some startling images: reminiscent of Kenneth Tynan’s profile of the ageing Louise Brooks in ‘The New Yorker’ which I’m rereading now ; am I a subscriber? I should be —
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Blogger Weekly – Denise Finn, Jacqui Murray, Lauren Scott, Olga Nunez Miret, Stevie Turner, D.G. Kaye, Darlene Foster, Robbie Cheadle | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
I nominated you for a Sunshine Blogger Award in my post today (Saturday, 3/22/25). Cheers!
Wonderful scene setting. We lost a lot of atmosphere when we stopped needing candles and I expect that’s why candles are still so popular. I like jotting by hand first so I like to think i would have enjoyed the blackout.
Thanks so much, Janet! At home, we light candles for ambience like you said, so writing by candlelight on this day (though they were battery operated for safety) was kind of nice. It sounds like you would’ve made the best of it too. Thanks again for stopping by.
Nice poem.
Thanks, Andrew!
You’re welcome, Lauren.
Beautifully evoked of the stillness Lauren. Amazing the things we hear and no longer hear (white noise) when the power is out. ❤
Thanks so much, Debby, and you said it well. Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday. 💕
Happy new week Lauren. ❤
So exquisite, Lauren. What a beautiful poem. I love the last stanza especially – that validation and inspiration. The whole mood of this is so soft. I felt like I was sitting in that dark at that table with you, my notebook open. ❤
Thanks for your lovely words, Diana. I love that you felt like you were sitting there with me in the dark. What a nice thing to say. I’m glad a poem came out of that crazy situation. 🩷🌷
It’s wonderful, Lauren. The situation turned into something magical.
Well, this poem is simply marvellous, Lauren.
What mood, what inspiration -what light!
Thank you for this slice of crystal.
🌹🌟❦xoxo
Aww, thanks so much, Resa! It was an experience and one I made the most of. I’m so glad you liked it! Hugs, dear friend! xoxoxoxoxoxo
HUGS!
xoxoxoxo
Brilliant… as the light has no shine if not for the contrast of the darkness.
Thanks so much, Annette, and well said! xo
Pingback: In Darkness there is Light – Gobblers by Masticadores
the best writing is done when you least expect it! A power outage is just the place to get good writing done!
Exactly! Thanks, my friend!