the phoenix (pegasus)

the phoenix
born
burned
reborn old

nature cries
for restoration
of balance

the phoenix
born
innocent
majestic
to bring the flame of youth
to this alien landscape
the stones are cold
the trees have a hardened skin
the simple wretches here
hunger for your fire

lick the air
with your crimson tongue
and split the sky
with a wondrous thunderclap
let there be lightning
let the taste of sulphur
fill their starving lungs
so that the stones might glow
the trees crack with remembered fertility
and bear their strange and beautiful fruit
the wretches rejoice and dance
and nature weep with relief

the phoenix
burned
reborn old

camped on the hill
wise too soon
a melancholy bonfire
a smouldering lighthouse

visitors
curious moths
broken animals
thieves hoping to light their lamps
are drawn
by instinct
or hunger
but before the night has ended
wander home
as always expected
and in a way requested

the phoenix
left alone
stays alone
to blow on the coals and embers
to keep warm
waiting
to turn to ash
and be reborn
old again
and waiting
to turn to ash

nature pleads
you have always been innocent
please remember
your nature
the time has come
to break this spell

cease to be
the phoenix
born already dying
claim your birthright
claim your destiny
rise
ignite
be
the phoenix
who flies
and burns the sky