Phoenix

by Amanda Blanchard

flames fan the liquid fire
burning in my belly –
the pressure builds,
taking me over,
making me dance –
thoughts of escape
bubble in my brain,
a deep want to flee;
so strong the urge
I burst into the air,
a phoenix from the ashes –
I am beyond myself and can no longer breathe !
I'm trapped inside and crushed by my own demise !
the scream of death
hurtles me toward the heavens,
freeing me from the fire and the pain