The Watcher in the Lamplight
'For Starks' Poetry Reimagined Challenge!

In a chair too grand for its size,
draped in threads of forgotten stories,
the lizard lounges—
a quiet king in a kingdom of dust motes and lamplight.
Between the folds of woven lace,
it watches, still as time itself,
tail curling over upholstery worn soft
by the hush of years.
What treasures does it guard
in this miniature world?
Not rubies or gold,
but the weight of quiet afternoons,
the hum of pages turning,
the warmth of a lamp in the deep blue hush of evening.
The door is ajar—
a whisper of wind through the tiny frame.
Yet it does not stir.
It knows that comfort is its own kind of power,
that stillness holds a magic all its own.
I take a step,
careful not to break the spell.
Here, in this place of small wonders,
a dragon does not need fire to be mighty—
only the patience to rest,
the wisdom to stay.
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I didn't really like my original poem, and nor did anybody else apparently!
So, the dragon is now a lizard!
Thank you Amanda, for the opportunity to rewrite my poetry!
The original poem...
About the Creator
Diane Foster
I’m a professional writer, proofreader, and all-round online entrepreneur, UK. I’m married to a rock star who had his long-awaited liver transplant in August 2025.
When not working, you’ll find me with a glass of wine, immersed in poetry.


Comments (3)
Vivid imagery well matched by the cover image. One of my favourite sections is “ Between the folds of woven lace, it watches, still as time itself, tail curling over upholstery worn soft by the hush of years.”🤗 Great job 👍🏼.
Beautifully & eloquently reimagined, Diane!
Wonderfully done