Icarus

I knew (of course) what I was getting into
when I attached the feathery waxy wings
I took flight effortlessly towards the sun

I knew (of course) that wax wanes and melts when hot
and the sun, superlative eternal flame
but I desired to touch her before I died

the sun in her smiling and wide-hipped beauty
the sun, gorgeous face and glowing finery
certainly I got close and close was enough

but I embarassed the sun and she cursed me
then I apologised and she yelled at me
unconditional love withers when dismayed

falling to my death a brief chance to reflect
I cannot taste requited love with wishing
thus will I hunger unrequite with grieving.

(September 2019)