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The Flight of the Bennu

Missing image

The Flight of the Bennu

Born of the embers of cinnamon myrrh,
taking flight o’re the kingdom of Pharaoh.
The gods gave her pow’r and watched over her,
still she fell from the sky by an arrow.

Now the fluid of life that stained her wing
would consume any mortal winged fowl.
The pain that she felt was agonizing
as she covered the wound with her cowl.

Yet, lo and behold the stain disappeared
as the shaft of the arrow fell from skin
and the gods of Pharaoh silently cheered
with the sound of harps and a mandolin.

So the fate of the Bennu, the bird of fire,
lends pow’r to Egypt; ‘tis Pharaoh’s des're.

 

 

 

Author notes

Source: Wikipedia

A phoenix is a mythical bird with beautiful gold and red plumage . At the end of its life-cycle the phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises. The new phoenix is destined to live, usually, as long as the old one. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis ( sun city in Greek ). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of fire and divinity .

Bennu: Is the Egyptian name for the phoenix the bird of fire.

Art work by: WhiteRaven90

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Comments

1 - 26 of 26

  • Rovingone gold member
    November 5

    Edit | Reply
    As beautiful as the picture. It virtually captures the entire thought process and sweeps one away.


  • Ken-Maverick
    December 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I was just wondering about this before but i didnt know how to put it, now i know
    That pretty much allows another sylliable in the line.
    I'm gonna have trouble with this Shakespearean one but i'll give it a crack anyway.

    Pharoah's and phoenix's, what a lovely combination
    and again congrats on the shineys

    Ken


  • Rinoasis
    June 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Oh, wow! I love this poem! The Phoenix is one of my totem/spirit guides and I have a strong connection to it. I was very delighted to read a poem about that mythological creature. Thank you so much for entering this!

    Blessings,
    ~Evolet


  • 2lullabyhaven
    April 21, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    This is a most excellent sonnet. thanks for entering it


  • Cup-a-Joe
    March 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Oh Amera

    Im sorry I missed this one. Glad I found it before it
    went gone for good. Wonderful, well penned poem. I have chanch at winning now----LOL.
    Joe


  • Swan song gold member
    March 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Now this is one beautiful and informative sonnet!
    Good luck with this. I learn someting new every time I read your work


  • Uniquely-Scarred
    March 5, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    this was nicely done, and you help at the end was great good stuff poetess


  • darell
    March 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful!

    This was a beautiful story which
    was told with creativity and enchantment.
    The images were as brilliant as the Bennu.
    The mystical and spiritual associated with
    Egyptian life made this story really come
    to life. Very well written


  • Poetry-and-rhyme
    March 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    sisss i see you have changed your face pic its so sweeet and i donno why i didnt see ur entry on my favourites:S i desperatly wait to read your writes coz they are simply superb i so liked this mythical sonnet its awesome


  • sunny day
    March 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Bravo!!! Bravo!!! Bravo!!!

    This is AMAZING to say the least. What a brilliant sonnet you have given us here. How ironic I came to this after I just wrote a piece with reference to the phoenix in it. LOL This is filled with imagery abounding and both the rhythm and rhyme had it flowing effortlessly as I read aloud to myself. Your descriptive elegance is fantastic and I'm again left in awe of your work. Thank you for sharing with all of us and best wishes in the contest. Love you my friend, Joyce

  • Emmanuel Cant
    March 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    bravo

    So very excellent and so very wonderfully done in every respect!...and a fascinating topic! Loved it, loved it! bravo... bravo... bravo...


  • penman gold member
    March 3, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    What a great sonnet you have penned for the picture. Best of luck in the contest.


    • Amera gold member
      March 3, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you; I am happy with the way this turned out. I actually found the picture later to complement the sonnet.


  • micol
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Very nicely handled tribute to a remarkable myth. The poem gives its subject a sense of dignity and force that other forms--free verse, for example--probably could not. I very much enjoyed reading it. Good luck in the contest.


  • And Hyetal
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this was beautiful! I could actually kind of smell the cinnamon.

    I love the imagery and all the firey light you poured into this. Good luck in the contest!



    ~Cassie


  • Emerald Dog
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Your writing never ceases to amaze. You're use of the word "agonizing" would even impress that other top US wordsmith - Marshall Mathers! I have a sneaking feeling that another doubloon will shortly be finding its way into your treasure chest.

  • Papagallo
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This poem was mystical and beautiful, You had a wonderful, smooth flow in this work. THanks for sharing your gift witj us and good luck in the contest.


  • HaleyMary
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Beautiful write, Sis. I love this poem. I find the Egyptian culture just fascinating. This piece has a wonderful flow and beautiful imagery. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Best of luck in the contest.


  • Auburn Sunrise gold member
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant!

    Amera - you have astounded and awed me by this beautiful masterpiece.
    I love that you did research on the myth of the Phoenix and included those interesting details in the poem. I found your author's comments fascinating as well.
    Love the image you chose, the form you chose, and as always - you wrote it perfectly! Your diction was exquisite!
    One of my favorite poems of all time! I may have to put this one on my homepage - with your permission of course!
    Love it love it LOVE IT!


    • Amera gold member
      March 2, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you; Of course you have my permission, I wrote it for you.


  • PerVirtuous
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    An entertaining and informative song about a magical and popular myth. I love everything about it, especially how you worked so many references into it, yet, it is still easily accessible. Fantastic.


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    March 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    You have a very nice touch here with this one, sis. Good luck in the contest.


  • MJ Donnelly gold member
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Captivating Lady Amera, and best of luck in the contest.


    mj


  • cricketjeff gold member
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    How many subjects have you covered in a perfect Shakespearian sonnet now?
    The bard managed to cover about 1!!!


  • Desire gold member
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful!

    Wow~ Oy~
    Marvelous tale You have told and I was glued from beginning to end
    One of my Guides I call upon that has never let me down
    Love this Sonnet
    Thank You for sharing Your Talent and Spirit~
    Many blessings to You in the contest Sweet Soul
    Best wishes too
    and much love~ Desire~*~


  • StarEyes
    March 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Oh my dear friend,

    Thanks for the lesson today. I knew some of this about that beautiful bird, but not all of it. It never ceases to amaze me, how you can take anything and write a most amazing piece. This is great!!

    Best of luck in this contest!!

    and love

    Nyetta

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