Phoenix

PHOENIX
(February 2015)

“ I used to extinguish under the weight of living,
But one day, I reached into my chest,
Dusted off my courage,
And asked myself,
Where’s your fire?”
D. Antoinette

What matters most is how you walk through the fire. Charles Bukowski

I drove to the studio that day in the dead of winter. It was cold and dark, just like my heart. I had spent so many winter days, overcast and gray, frustrated at where I found myself. It was cold and all seemed utterly hopeless, but a fire burned in me. It felt as if I had been baptized by fire- every muscle of my former self burned from my bones. Beneath the ashes was a determination to rise and live, to find light and purpose. I sat in front of the canvas and prayed. I smelled the smoke and stench of any truth I’d ever allowed to take ownership of my soul. They were never really mine. I painted smoky strokes of bitterness and bid farewell to every thing that was not love. I rose. I watched it burn. I felt it wash over me. I was stronger than anything that was not love. I was more powerful than evil intentions. I am made of sunlight and truth.I am