From the Ashes

They closed my agate eyes, folded the eyelids
over. Stacked the light high.

The angel had me ushered to the gate.
He took his time with firewood and flint to fill the grate.
Gave his assurances, showed me compassion.
His wings unfurled as blades, spread out like night.

Nothing to spare me now. Nothing contains me now.
My life is ashen.

From ashes rose the bird, unfolded wings, he flew
towards the light fast gaining height. He roared
above all skies, above all unknown things
to cosmic sunrise where its heaven rings.