I Am The Phoenix

Your flame burned so bright,

that I mistakenly thought it was warmth.

I came closer,

thinking I’d be held-

but you only knew

how to scorch.

You were the flame

that tried to unmake me.

But I was never yours to destroy.

From your flame,

I learned how to rise-

how to glow

without burning,

how to love

without losing myself.

Now, when I feel the warmth of the sun,

I am not afraid.

I remember that I’ve lived through worse.

I remember that even ashes

can take flight.

And I whisper,

soft but certain-

I am the phoenix.

You were only the flame.