Wings of Wax and Feathers

Icarus' wings of wax and feathers fell apart under the heat of the sun.It struck me how often in love, passion, or the sense of exploration I am like the Mystical Fool, allowing myself the fool's quest, even to my detriment. Then I sigh and say 'I learned

Wings of wax and feathers

wont carry you afar;

Wings of wax and feathers

wont carry you too far.

 

So climb the highest mountain

of crags and slippery slopes,

finding footholds, and handholds

of leverage beyond the clouds.

 

Wind whips her freezing tongues

across a marbled face,

and sun obscured, above,

minds the daily race.

 

My wings of wax and feathers,

are strapped securely to my back.

Like the mystic Fool,

of fear I have a lack.

 

Off the ledge I stepped ;

Off the edge I leapt.

Soaring on the wind

Soaring under the sun

 

I was the falcon soaring

beneath the winter sun.

no rip-stop nylon, no wind beneath my wings;

no tandem flight for me.
 

It was not the fiery heat,

but bitter cold

that broke

my wings of wax and feathers.

 

Below, men sip their beer

speaking of having no fear,

and their wars of yester-year.

Reviews

[Phil Sanders]

Tremendous piece .. I love the way you conjure up the images and the feelings ...