Flames Eternal

“We are Flames Eternal

We are the Phoenix”

-BlckPheonix

There are many mythological beliefs as to the origins and characteristics of the Phoenix. Some examples are the portrayals of the Phoenix by the Greeks and Egyptians. Both my understanding and embracement of the legendary Phoenix and personal life experiences have inspired my Phoenix tattoo.

The Phoenix and Egyptian Mythology

The Phoenix was viewed as the spirit of one of their deities: Ra, also known as the sun god. They believed the phoenix hatches out of a ball like egg made of myrrh. It grows then lives to be about 500 years old. When it is ready to die, it builds a nest of spices and herbs. Then, as the sun rises, its rays set the nest on fire. The cycle repeats: the new Phoenix starts as a worm and grows into a traditional phoenix; it places the ashes of the old phoenix into the myrrh ball and continues on to its 500-year journey (http://www.egyptianmyths.net/phoenix.htm).

The Phoenix and Greek Mythology

The Greek Phoenix is believed to have its origins and many traits from that of the Egyptian Phoenix. It is similar, with a couple deviations . The Phoenix is believed to live in paradise and, when it dies ,a new phoenix arises out of the ashes vs. as a worm form. The Phoenix then begins its 500+ year journey (https://mythology.net/mythical-creatures/phoenix/).

The Phoenix and Me

I’ve heard recollections from friends regarding how they were raised and treated in their families. Some had “normal'' uneventful lives ; while others grew up in chaos; or; with lenient and permissive parents ; while a portion were raised in what seemed like a military or prison-like upbringing. Although some friends were raised by open-minded guardians, the rest were raised by cult like wardens, either raised in love or raised in fear and terror.

I was born and raised in West Africa for the first few years of my life. My parents were declared dead and my sibling and I was taken to an orphanage. I have no recollection of the first four years of my life. Shortly after the orphanage, I was adopted into my “house of horror.” Some days, I yearn for those moments of emptiness where my brain did not form or retain memories. There were sprinkles of joy and happiness with the few people with whom I made real bonds. I can count those people on five fingers. My heart was constantly racing, wishing myself invisible. I dreaded the sound of my name. A tender touch was seldom felt. My body froze in submission to whatever came my way. My brain and soul tried in every way to separate from my body and escape into a distant time or place.

When I moved away from home to attend college, I felt as if I had been released from a cage. I was rediscovering myself; finding the real me. I was reborn. I learned to love, value, respect, and invest in myself. I rose from fear, timidity, and uncertainty into hope, determination, strength, and purpose. I got this tattoo as a positive physical reminder of my journey.

The Phoenix

Everyone’s trauma and story of abuse no matter how “small” or large is just as important and impact-full as anyone who has experienced “death and rebirth”. There will always be scars and shadows from the past. When we are able, we must rise above and shine a light through that darkness and declare we are worthy: of respect, of love, and of fairness. We are determined to grow, thrive, and empower ourselves.

I wrote the following poem in honor of our inner Phoenix.

Another day of heartache and another day of heartbreak.

Yet another moment of confusion and managing delusions.

How much longer can we wait for the day to finally wake?

The Sun

It creates

It destroys

It grows

It consumes

This inferno,

Is just, another, remix

Cause we made another “mistake”; of more punishments we partake.

Pardon our intrusion on your faulty allusions

Do we give into this rage, or patiently rely on fate?

The Flames

Abate

And we employ

We hope

It won’t resume

This, turmoil

Is, the prefix

We will not break, it's time to make

Restitution, no more irresolution

We’re leaving your stage, We’re finally free from our cage

Grey Ashes

Await

Joy is uncloaked

Rejoice

Why toil

We are renewed.

We are Flames Eternal

We are the Phoenix

-BlckPheonix