"Phoenix"
by S K Dapoz

Taken by kind permission from Father's On-Line Library.

We beat our wings 'til the feathers drop,
yet there are deaths and dreams
conjured by a heart in exile:
Suspended in that lingering moment,
you are my liminal dream....
your dark world my stage,
your eyes my isolation,
the hunger of your frozen grief
the fire that burns on my brow,
urging me onward....
the sword of your pain
is the siren song 
that bows my neck, gladly,
on the altar of your need.
Then, swift and star-like, the world collapses,
exploding into flames that burn to sudden ash....
and I breathe this sweet death as it vanishes into new life,
embracing the incandescent phoenix....
you.

About the Author

S. K. Dapoz has been writing poetry and nonfiction for twenty-five years. Beauty and the Beast has been her first foray into fiction. She has written and edited several fanzines, including the Queen's Knight series, and "All Things are Possible with Love," rated a four in the Q-fer. She owns a small desktop publishing company, Purple Rose Press, and publishes a yearly poetry anthology composed of poetry by Baha'is, as well as poetry chapbooks by established writers. Purple Rose Press also accepts freelance graphics and editing assignments. She is also a software specialist at the Indiana University School of Business in Indianapolis. For information about 'zines or freelance desktop/graphic or publishing rates, SASE to: S. K. Dapoz, 815 N. Broadway, Greenfield, IN 46140, or email: SDAPOZ@INDYVAX.IUPUI.EDU