I am that tree you see over there.
No not the beautiful one with deep intertwining roots
But the one just behind that.
I have scores and gouges throughout my bark
From the angle in which you see me I look full of life
But really I’m hollow, empty, and a little dead, in spots.
Termites started chipping away at my core
But the penultimate ruiner was fire.
The flames licked at the soft skinned me
Until I hardened to something unrecognizable.
The only hope for me to one day be strong like my old self
is a tiny sproutling
Fighting for breath.
That tiny green leaf is my salvation
Tested in fire and stronger than before
My Phoenix