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The Flight of Icarus

                ~~**~~

 

The sun's heat sent fragrant wax
dripping down his arms,
loosened his homemade marvel.
                ~~**~~
He gazed at the sky as he fell.
Salt water filled his mouth
as he begged for aid.
                ~~**~~
The unforgiving water tossed him,
threw his limp body
onto algae-covered rocks.
                ~~**~~
The nymphs found him
baking beneath the cruel sun.
They pitied his broken form,
unsheathed his arms.
                ~~**~~
They returned him to his father,
and the earth he had
tried to leave behind.

 

               ~~**~~
 

Author notes

I read Disbelief, the poem entered before mine. I liked the harsh reality of the disbelief the real world forces us to adopt. The references to mythical creatures and marvels from fantasy was nostalgic, and left me wondering when I stopped believing the world could be magical.

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Comments

1 - 7 of 7

  • pine-needles
    May 21, 2008

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    amazing ending. subtle, sneaks up on you, takes a moment to sink in. circular, a return rather than a loss, thought provoking. also really appreciate the understated style, simple and powerful lines.

    the second stanza, particularly "he gazed at the sky as he fell" was the least convincing to me - can't quite believe somone would "gaze" as he dropped hurtled out of the sky, and somehow the way you describe his cries for help seemed to minimise this aspect as well.

    but beautiful take on a familiar subject, gracefully done.


  • Society Bomb
    July 1, 2007

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    I always wondered what happened to Icarus after his fall. In the aviation community we celebrate Icarus as the dream of man to fly...but usually leave it off at the falling back to earth part. Enjoyed the poem.


  • Arkbear gold member
    June 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Not Bad my Pix ~

    A little bit cliche' for you my >Pixxie<

    however....you painted this picture as you saw it,

     and that is what I asked for ~

    A Lovely Presentation and flow of perfection as always ~

    The best to you in this contest ~

    Brother Bear ~

     

     


  • Florida Sunshine
    June 18, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Would it be the same time we were told there is no santa claus.... Sadly there isn't enough just belief in this world. I am glad we still have God and the heavens above! I enjoyed your write~ Good luck in the contest!


  • Storm-Goddess
    June 9, 2007

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    wow

    what a wonderfully exciting piece i always love this myth you have talent for this style of poetry . please keep trying to write more like this i will read everyone . good luck in the contest and i hope you get a gold


  • Jalalbad gold member
    June 6, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    great thoughts

    for a novel! Smile.
    Judy

  • Seaquince
    June 5, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    this is great

    what was taken from him was restored again...by giving him back to those who care most for him....

1 - 7 of 7