The Phoenix

By Aanya Nigam

I swallow my tongue

Coated with champagne and rose thorns

Pricking shards into my throat as it bleeds.

My blood exposed to pain and insecurities,

I hold in my tears

As my red-veined eyes swell with hate.

My eyelashes glued together, laced with envy.

The sky was still blue here

But it sat in my gut like a fraud.

Caustic salt on my ashen lips,

Like every astringent grain was meant for me.

I wake up to crystals on my pillow...

The sun peeking through the blue tinted window,

Rising in its morning glory.

I inhale the lavender skies,

I let my hair down and I say to myself:

“You burn too bright for this world. You are made for better things - Trust the process.” 

And my autumn heart blossoms with flowers again.

By Aanya Nigam