The Edge of the Fog
Finding a clarity in my life

I drove home through heavy fog.
The world ended fifty meters ahead.
Everything was white, indistinct, gone.
The headlights carved narrow paths in the dark.
But then — almost home —
the veil dissolved.
As if someone had swept a hand across the landscape
and said: Here. Here you must see.
Around my home, clarity lay
like an oval mirror after a shower,
where the blow dryer draws a hole in the mist
and a face suddenly appears.
So it was.
In the middle of the fog
there was a place where everything came forward.
My place.
Even an hour later, walking the dog,
the air was still clear.
We walked through a world that wanted to be seen.
And I saw it.
And perhaps it saw me.
There was perfect silence.
The full moon shone down into the chilly night.
But even the moon, from now on, can only wane.
Perhaps that was what I was meant to see:
That I can only be in this state here.
That I must step into the fog,
so I may return bearing new light —
like the moon,
which must diminish to become whole again.
About the Creator
Henrik Hageland
A poet, a writer of feelings and hope. A Dane and inhibitant of the Earth thinking about what is to come.
A good story told or invented. Human all the way through.
Want to know more? Visit Substack , my YouTube Channel or TikTok.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented




Comments (19)
"Very insightful."
Loved this, felt like I was a passenger along for the ride 😁
I felt as if you took me along on your drive.
This was so beautiful and comforting. I went crazy over the mirror and hair dryer simile it made it be so believable and relatable. It's a masterpiece! Well deserved TS!!
This was quietly breathtaking, Henrik. The metaphor of the fog parting to reveal a moment of clarity is one of the most evocative I've read in a long time. That image of the mirror clearing just enough to glimpse your own face—it struck me deeply. Life often feels like we’re driving through fog, unsure of what’s ahead, but your reflection is a beautiful reminder that there are brief, crystalline moments where everything aligns. And that final thought—“the moon must diminish to become whole again”—what a profound way to express the cycles of growth and retreat we all must move through. Thank you for this moment of stillness and insight.
Well written 😍👍🏼👏🏼
🎉 Congrats on getting Top Story! 🌟 So well deserved — I’m super proud of you! 🙌💖 I seriously can’t wait to read the next one… I know it’s gonna be just as amazing! ✍️🔥 Keep shining! 💫
Congratulations Henrik, a lovely poem which I must have missed the first time around. Hope all is well with you, my friend.
Yes! I loved this!!!!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
A beautiful poem with a beautiful message. Nicely Done!!
This is such a gorgeous poem with a beautiful message. Those last lines will linger with me for a long while.
A fascinating poem… the fog is so vividly portrayed and the contrast of clarity near home was excellent.✅
Well-wrought! Special kudos for this very specific but gripping modern analogy: "like an oval mirror after a shower, where the blow dryer draws a hole in the mist and a face suddenly appears."
This piece gives ‘home’ unexpected and surprising meaning, far more than merely refuge. The use of fog and light as metaphors for a world that wants to be seen even if we need help to see it for ourselves. Beautiful poetry! Good luck on the challenge!
I felt like I was walking through that fog with you
That was extremely powerful and very optimistic. Loved your poem so much!
That very last line was the plot to all you described! It was quite fantastic. The voice over made me see it! Please tell me that was your voice because it was incredible 😆 I need that voice for all books I read going forward lol
Thought this was amazing Henrik. I love the image of someone sweeping their hand across the landscape. Really appreciate the optimism of your poem and how we have to go through dark places to find ourselves and truly heal. Well done. I hope this makes top story.