phoenix
languishing lights of my life I see before me
blurred into capacious illumination
they interest me never more.
A distant flame I noticed
never before have I seen this fiery star
it seems extrinsic reason exists
for this sudden encounter
and the night turns dark
save this burning enchantment.
Moving cautiously toward
yet it appears I draw no nearer
the abbreviated breath for the blazing match
I dare not avert my sight
lest the passionate radiance subsides.
� Caleb Andrew Walser 2000, 2001, 2002