on the ashes of this nest
love woven with deadly fire
the phoenix takes its rest
forgetting all desire

after the flame, a pause,
after the pain, rebirth;
obeying nature's laws
the phoenix goes to earth

you cannot call it old
you cannot call it young;
no phoenix can be told,
this is the end of song

it struggles now alone
against death and self-doubt,
but underneath the bone
the wings are pushing out

and one cold starry night
whatever your belief
the phoenix will take flight
over the sea of grief

to sing her thrilling song
to stars and waves and sky
for neither old nor young
the phoenix does not die

THE PHOENIX AGAIN
-may sarton