The Phoenix

by RUTH WHITMAN

A FLAMING phoenix came to rest
Beside my tiny nursling’s nest,
Womb-warm,
Womb-blessed —

He snapped his wings of fire and cried
The world is full of claws outside.
And tall,
And wide —

The sky is turning golden red
And I have come with flames outspread
And hallelujah in my head
To toss you from your easy bed,
To toss you from your bed.