Phoenix rising
Nadia Gerassimenko
For centuries
my red plumage soaked up
daggered words
& violent fists.
One by one
my feathers stifled,
my fire subdued,
my birdsong silenced.
Tonight I gather twigs, spices & oils—
cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh,
balsam, sandalwood, cassia, nard—
& build myself a fragrant pyre.
High upon the palm I will be
first witness to the Sun.
(From earth to earth,)
Tomorrow is a good day
to die to be reborn.
(ashes to ashes,)
See—& not unsee—
me burning to cinders,
my screech a laugh
to onslaught.
(dust to dust,)
See—& fear—
a phoenix rising from
my ashes with sprightly wings
of gold & crimson.
(I rise & fight
fire with fire.)
Soon you will come to know—
10
Cauldron Anthology