i stood by the shore
looking out into the sky
birds flying, clouds rushing past
and then i saw you
struggling, falling
your arms flailing, your wings burning
i ran out into the water and reached for you
your lifeless body floated toward me
the waves washing over you
your lungs filled with salt and sand,
wax fused with skin and bone.

i carried you back to land and closed your eyes.
Apollo's great sun now setting, glowing gold upon your face.
i cried, and whispered, "you made it.
those walls are no longer your home."