Brilliance, beauty, and excellence
are omnipotent in life.

Immersed in reflection
on the crystal pond,
waxed wings—now a molten blob—
stare back.

My half-charred face exposes
blood-coated flesh beneath.
Mesmerized in thought,
I turn idle.

My mind replays the moment
I came closer to God—
a chance at freedom.
My once-mythical wings
drip molten.
Is this my end?

Once again,
my foolishness reminds me
of my mortal existence.