A Song from the Ash

Even now, a creature stirs deep in the ashes of her old and now dead life.

What was once, is no longer.

Last blood spilled.

Final breath heaved.

Nothing remaining but the ash of the old.

Unto dust it has returned.

Peeking out from beneath the cinders –

a tiny spark of light.

Glimmering and iridescent in shades of

cyan, fuchsia, tangerine, and chartreuse.  

Peeking shyly, parting the cinder curtain –

seeing if it’s safe outside.

Dare she step forth into the open?

Her bolder sister, tested on the witch’s pyre

and made of warrior’s rage

had hid her under armor,

but of her brave sister, now only ash remains.

“Who now will keep me safe?” she wondered.

The ash whispering as a soft wind came and blew it away:

“You will keep yourself safe.”

A single blood-red tear dripped down the creature’s face

as she offered a silent prayer of thanks

to the sister who had courageously paved the way.

Testing new legs, she slowly stood

Stretching arms to discover she had wings.

Leaning into the air,

the creature carried aloft.

Dancing on the breeze she first whispered,

and then sang her true name:

Joy!  Joy!  Joy!

copyright Lauri Ann Lumby

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