slow phoenix

[jackrational]

i want to shed my skin
discard the flesh underneath
and let my bones lie in the sun
bake and bleach the stains of a life
and rise again, reborn and clean
remaking myself in the image of my own choosing
ready to be what i will become
steady and strong
absorbing pain, enjoying experience
returning happiness
providing solace and safety
giving back what i have received
being sought out for honesty
loyalty, intimacy
the belief that there is good
and we deserve it