locked in a cage for burning your passions too brightly
dreams unreachable because of your crimson skin
longing to fly into the depths of the horizon
hurtling flames ignited behind bars
bronze and gold glowing silently

27 years and your inferno has become nothing but a spark
though weak and shaken from the cold november rain
those trapped and those in hiding
paint songs on air
like constellations in the sky
just as you’re about to collapse
magic erupts from the blaze
a single powerless prisoner seeming to be more powerful than all of hell’s threats and guns

sacrificing yourself for redemption
a bird perished in turmoil
setting yourself ablaze for those in need of saving
gleaming creature of fire
you appear through your ashes
a new hope
god of the sun

at last
risen from the ashes of your past
an unexpected source of beauty
you no longer fear darkness and its demons
clouds- displaying the vivid color of blood
radiating the sacrifice of your freedom
wind- echoing the fire set by your wings
the sky- your canvas
paint it with your visions of the future
the sea- a tragic reflection of all the pain you’ve shed
soaring forever because your spirit will never die
dreams are now your destiny; seize them with all your might
your flame will burn eternally for years to come
there shall be times of breaking and moments of despair
but one thing remains true-
amidst the smoke and chaos
you are more beautiful than before
for you are the legend of the phoenix
-c. alejandra