Phoenix Poem by Amy Serhienko

We have made an unspoken promise,
taken a vow of silence
on this subject that burns us both.

We talk around it,
but never say the words
that would ignite an inferno.
Saying them aloud would make it real
and true
and possible.

Instead, we have stood on tiptoe
reaching toward each other,
dancing around the fire we've built.

We've warmed our hands with it,
and our souls with it,
but never moved close enough to get burned.

And now, I want to jump in the flames,
and find out whether these burns
will leave me seared and scarred,
or whether I am a phoenix
and will be reborn.