Phoenix- Picture Perfect


I was reading the fall ’07 Poetry Journal #1 volume 13 when something made me stop. The poem “Phoenix” by Ryan of St.Peters, MO was amazingly written. The author of this descriptive poem really knew how to put a picture in my head. The poet’s descriptive ways in making the Phoenix so beautiful is rare in student poetry. The second stanza:
“He burns bright;
Flames dance wild with light.
Behind the radiance resides a reservoir
Of pride
He lives to love and loves to live
It shows with valiant dive from his pyre.”

That whole stanza is powerful and unique. Then his reference to the “selfish wrath” of others is so strong. This poem is a complete work of art.