FIREBIRD SESTINA

Enrobed in scarlet, a brilliant blazing bird,
With eagle’s strength, the child of sacred fire,
She sounds a piercing cry, forever heard
When consumed in Self-lit flames, soon to aspire
From her funeral pyre, to show the world
Herself, reborn from death! Mankind she shall inspire.

In ancient time her wonder did inspire
Heliopolis, where flew this fabled bird,
To reach the Sun, lamp light of our shadow world,
And immolating in his fiercesome fire,
Her Being rose from ashes to aspire
To know New Life, such tales they heard.

When this Egyptian legend was first heard,
That daring deed was one that did inspire
Each soul, that now earned the right to so aspire,
And follow the lead set by this fearless bird.
If self dares to die upon the sacrificial fire,
Pure Self will emerge as victor of this world.

This paragon is an emblem for our world,
Proclaiming news, that everywhere is heard,
Setting the wooden hearts of men on fire,
The deathless spirit mocks at death to so inspire!
Thanks to the valour of this beauteous bird,
The soul of man can to an after-life aspire.

So people of all lands can once again aspire
To reach the height of hope in an anxious world,
And pursue the flight of virtue like this bird.
So sound the golden trumpet call and be heard!
Men should know such transformation can inspire
To be reborn again in sacred sacramental fire.

The petty self is consumed in conscious fire,
And from ashes, pure Self does once again aspire
To reach new birth, and the minds of men inspire,
To transform their dismal dreary world.
Joy again, can everywhere be heard,
All thanks to thee, oh great excelling bird!

By wondrous art she once inspired our world,
It’s vital we aspire to what’s been heard.
Arise from sacred fire dear Phoenix bird!