Icarus
Icarus
I have no regret for wings of fire,
Their burning heat, my heart’s desire.
The sun, a mirror, far yet kind,
A friend, not foe, to a restless mind.
What is this earth but shadow’s grace,
A hollow throne, a fleeting space?
I sought the stars, the endless blue,
Where dreams take flight and truth shines through.
The sea below, a siren’s cry,
Could never chain the will to fly.
A mind that breaks the world apart
Seeks winds that sing to the yearning heart.
They warned of heights, of the price to fall,
But dreams rise higher than the fear they call.
I kissed the sun, I touched the sky,
No chains could hold my soul to lie.
The winds spoke words in ancient tone,
Of paths untraveled, fate unknown.
I’d rather blaze than fade away,
To burn is to live, not to decay.
Though I fell, I was not undone,
The cost of flight so sudden
We burn to rise, we rise to fall
And in the end, we give our all.
No waters claim the flame I bore—
I burned, I roared, the price adored.
No tears for wings that once soared,
I lived, I loved, and dared for more.
(PS: I do not own the art. It is "Icarus" by John Singer Sargent)
@azurePond
What a beautiful poem; from its rhyme scheme and meter, to it's narrative and flow. Absolutely lovely, and very well crafted. I loved your take on the myth, transforming it from a parable against recklessness and ignoring the sage, to one of youthful rebellion and life affirming exuberance.
I also felt like it had further depths, for it seemed to speak of the adventurous spirit the strives and dares even when the consequences may be painful or tragic. Yet in this it is far from melancholic, for it speaks of the price almost as if it is a fair trade, (or at the very least an acceptable one), for allowing the heart and mind to transcend limitations. I found that message wonderful and completely encouraging.
Your choice of telling it in first person also intrigued me, as did the last two stanzas. Perhaps they are the poets deviation on the myth for their own twist on the legend...or maybe they speak of the indestructible spirit that cannot be quenched nor undone....or is the poem a clever camouflage for the poets own personal world view and experiences. It holds my imagination and that is very pleasing indeed.
I take my hat off to you AzurePond, I am impressed.
@BastionKnight Thank you so much for the detailed analysis. You have basically nailed the whole idea of the poem. Thanks again! * smiles *
@azurePond
An amazing euphony of words and great play on the tale of Icarus! Well done, Azure. ✧₊⁺ It shows struggle and hope; and dedication and bravery! As I heard- "NO GUTS, NO GLORY, NO STORY."
@wIthpeACE yes yes yes and thank you!
