those wings with which
we soar beyond
the mesh of time;
light that blazes
through the darkened
realm of power;
that impulse to tear down
shackles of the soul
bolted there to make us
bend to fear and control.
prometheus’s first cry
and his enduring gift.
meaning of myth
when decoded
as fire and light.
prima materia that changes
black earth of suffering
into the red dragon
of bold overcoming.
last flame of a defeated
people, first rekindler
of their resurrection;
yellow path up
to the crowned mountain,
where destiny, mind-forged,
becomes the green ladder
to the lanterned heavens.
secret song of flowers,
and beauty’s torch.
my father’s injunction,
and my mother’s revelation.