awakening
in the still of the night
preparing
for flight
fearing
nothing
testing
her strength
with wings opened wide
she flies
with self-determination
she cries out
i
will
always
survive

as day breaks
she slips
into her nest
ignited
by her flight
she rests

but
night
her paradise
when darkness falls
she awakens
shaking off the ashes
of the days
left behind