The Seed
Why do we want
the phoenix to rise
one more
time
that his fire
may scorch us again
and we may learn
if we are still capable
of burning
in the heart
of the flame
there is a seed
like a cherry pit
it shines in the
center of the fire
like a garnet stone
crack it open and
it will crumble, superheated
into incandescent particles
raging over us
like white phosphorus
then you’ll find
if you can still endure
being transported
into a state of ecstasy
without falling
into powdery ash
like the burning
center of the stars
like the dust
that is left
after the fire
has been
forgotten.
Phoenix Glaring in All Directions by Katsushika Hokusai, 1848.
