Note: Read "Poetry by Firelight" for the first Jhat Khevian poem.

As we sit by this fire, for another time, I watch him as his eyes do tell
His face is innocent and devoted,
To this woman, this Gabrielle.

He watches her with unconditional love,
He yearns to sit by her side.
And yet he'll refuse to tell her
All the love he feels inside.

Gabrielle sits, unknowing of him
Thinking of past deeds long done
Though she thinks of her lost child
I know that the memories aren't fun.

Xena talks to the King of Thieves
Planning how best to defeat Barak
Autolycus looks at me with pity I hate
But speaking right now would make me sick.

This fire is surrounded by many things
Different thoughts swirl with the embers
These four have gone through more pain than me
More pain than anyone remembers.

Yet, here I am, sittiing amongst these four
Embarrassed by remembering my past
My struggles seem so paltry to theirs
And yet to me it seems so vast.

Joxer suggested this, I'll admit,
He thought it'd help me with the pain.
With how much I hate Barak
And with how much I cannot gain.

The last firelight we spent together,
The peace gratefully ended the day.
But with the stern decorum this ash brings,
Will the peace come? I cannot say.

-Jhat Khevian