Rebirth by Barbara Hu

Rebirth 

By Barbara Hu 

This fiery bird 

across east and west  

antiquity to renaissance  

through modern literature 

and the artist’s hand 

we name them: 

Bennu, Simurgh, Fenghuang 

she returns to nest 

ignites her body aflame  

rebirth in ashes 

an artist burns old works 

a writer surpasses her block 

changes 

as the sun dies each night  

reborn the following day 

transformation 

full of strength and hope  

a new life begins 

from the end 

born from death 

Liao-Fan’s journey     

yesterday,  you die 

today, is the first day of a new life 

focus on this moment  

no matter how many times you fall