Lanterns in the Dark

A Collective Sparks Zine, Volume 2

Liora Writes, Chris B. Writes, Kristina Ray, and 6 others

Dec 31, 2025

Cover image for Lanterns in the Dark: two vintage lanterns glowing softly in a dark outdoor setting, their warm light cutting through surrounding shadows. The title appears above in serif lettering. — *Lanterns in the Dark* — A Collective Sparks Zine, Volume II; Photo by Mahsa on Unsplash

Introductory page for Lanterns in the Dark featuring a forest scene with soft points of light among dark green foliage. Overlaid text explains the zine’s themes of cost, belonging, and what we continue to bring in times of absence. — Opening reflection and thematic framing for *Lanterns in the Dark*; Photo by David Yao on Unsplash

Contributor listing page for Lanterns in the Dark, showing a softly blurred background of evergreen branches and warm lights. Text lists participating writers and their featured works. — A gathering of voices contributing to *Lanterns in the Dark*; Canva Graphic

Zine page featuring Pamella Yates’s poem “The Cost of Free Love,” with a square image of a dried plant head engulfed in flame, framed by scattered autumn leaves. The poem text appears alongside the image on a dark background. — Pamella Yates — *The Cost of Free Love;* Photo by Vadim Sadovski on Unsplash

First page of “Lost in the Wilderness” by Liora Writes, featuring prose text on a dark background and a small inset image of an hourglass resting on rocky ground, symbolizing time and stillness. — Liora Writes — *Lost in the Wilderness* (Part 1); Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Second page of “Lost in the Wilderness” by Liora Writes, showing continued prose text and a square inset image of a glass sphere resting on sand, reflecting the surrounding landscape.

Dark storm clouds fill the frame, with a break in the clouds revealing a bright, glowing light at the center against a nearly black sky. — Storm Whisperer — *When History Returned;* Photo by Egor Yakushkin on Unsplash

Two people practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu on padded mats, with one grappler on top of the other while additional practitioners train in the background of a gym. — Glen Woods — *Home* (Part 1 of 2); Photo by Samuel Castro on Unsplash

An empty dojo with tatami mats covering the floor, wooden beams and sliding doors along the walls, and a calligraphy scroll hanging at the front of the room. — Glen Woods — *Home* (Part 2 of 2); Photo by Anni W on Unsplash

Cityscape of Portland, Oregon at dusk with the illuminated “Portland Oregon” sign in the foreground, framed by decorative floral corners, set beside reflective prose about belonging and cultural fit. — Kristina Ray — *The First Time I Really Felt at Home* (Part 1 of 2); Photo by Jimmy Woo on Unsplash

Close-up of several hands stacked together in a gesture of unity and support, framed by soft ornamental borders, accompanying text reflecting on belonging, acceptance, and human connection. — Kristina Ray — *The First Time I Really Felt at Home* (Part 2 of 2); Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash

A small white house with a red door and picket fence surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves, framed within a rounded vignette, paired with reflective writing on home, stability, and belonging. — VS Uma — *Sense of Belonging* (Part 1 of 2); Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Two people walking hand in hand on a cobblestone street, seen from above, framed by soft purple painterly edges, accompanying text exploring belonging as emotional connection rather than place. — VS Uma — *Sense of Belonging* (Part 2 of 2); Photo by Charles Robert on Unsplash

Overhead view of a mostly empty dining table with white plates, bowls, cutlery, and a folded cloth, arranged neatly with ample space between settings in low, muted light. — Chris B. Writes — *What I Still Bring* (Part 1 of 2); Photo by Ratapan Anantawat on Unsplash

Two people seen from behind sitting together in a darkened room, watching a projected film or television screen, their silhouettes outlined against the glow. — Chris B. Writes — *What I Still Bring* (Part 2 of 2); Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash

A formally set dinner table with plates, glassware, and cutlery, softly lit, framed with ornate decorative corners suggesting ceremony and restraint. — Brenda — A Voice That Wonders — *What We Still Bring* (Part 1 of 2); Photo by Jessica Burnett on Unsplash

A candlelit table scene with multiple candles burning, surrounded by small vessels and rustic elements, framed by scattered star-shaped decorations against a dark background. — Brenda — A Voice That Wonders — *What We Still Bring* (Part 2 of 2); Photo by Asiya Bhat on Unsplash

A dimly lit table set for one, with a red candle burning inside a decorative frame. The surrounding space is dark and quiet, evoking solitude, ritual, and the persistence of presence despite absence. — **Outtamydamnmind —** **When the Table is Empty** **| Part 1 of 1;** Photo by Doriana Popa on Unsplash

A glowing lantern in deep shadow, its warm flame illuminating surrounding darkness. The image conveys continuity, shared light, and the idea of carrying presence forward beyond the page. — **Liora —** **Lanterns Remain** **| Closing Page;** Photo by Maxim Boldyrev on Unsplash

✨ Thanks for reading this Collective Sparks showcase.

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A guest post by

Chris B. Writes

Published Poet, Caregiver, Bray Bray’s Dad, Xennial, Host of “Typing It Real” on Substack Live. Open to collaborating!

A guest post by

Kristina Ray

the playful mystic—sharing my personal journey. I write about spirituality, self-love, how imagination creates reality and the illusion of separation. Empowering you to master your inner reality so you can create fulfillment and meaning in your life.

A guest post by

Marlana

Life-Quakes & Rebirth is a space for people navigating personal collapse and rebuilding into alignment. ✨

A guest post by

Pamella Yates

I am woven into the native lands through the sand of time. I am a mountain girl of 40 years. I am native to the State of Idaho. My recent accomplishments include life consultant, Gods chosen , and a gifted jeweler, a published author.

A guest post by

Glen Woods

Storyteller,fighter,Brain tumor survivor, ironman, judo black belt. You’ll find my fiction, poems, and reflections ,tales of wolves, warriors, and the hidden truths that shape us.

A guest post by

Brenda - A Voice that Wonders

Welcome to A Voice That Wonders I write from the thresholds - between cultures, between homes, between faith and doubt, past and future.

A guest post by

Storm Whisperer

I am Nerra, Keeper of Caerwyn. I write a quiet, myth-rooted fantasy shaped by rhythm, stillness, and emotional truth.

A guest post by

V S Uma

Blogger capturing the rhythm of everyday life through reflections on love, gratitude, and the human mind. Merging observation with storytelling and visual expression. Tagline: “Life, observed — one thought, one emotion, one story at a time.”