Phoenix

Phoenix
by P.J. Sutherland

Slowly he builds his funeral pyre
Each event of his life another piece
Burning brands of triumph and failure
Then commits his body to the fire

The orange and yellow flames consume him
As his gorgeous plumage blackens
He screams his sorrow for all to hear
His life ebbs away, his eyes grow dim

The wind softly stirs the cold ashes
Caressing the lost beauty laying there
Sad ending of a life now forfeit
Among the coals a bright spark flashes

Rising with triumphant grace and fire
Glorious plumage and eyes of blue
Beating wings lifting him to the skies
The need to fly his only desire