Above Ourself

We stare at the sun with our Icarus eyes

gauging the sky with our Icarus eyes

believing it to be beneath us

or at least beneath us to consider.

Smoldering feathers have riddled our fields and roofs

and yet with sun-scorched hands we mold and press our waxen wings

cursing the bleached bones slipping from the clouds

whilst our blisters burst and desiccate. 

Avian celerity is envied and yet beneath us

as Icarus eyes scan the sky

resolute that we belong there.

Reviews

[FJ Davis]

One thing that can be said for us, Ben, is that we're willing to pay the price to be there.
Are human beings as stupidly haughty as you seem to portray them? Many are, of course--but the ones who fly; those who accomplish things in this life, are often humble and courageous. Or, at worst, confident and courageous.
It could be I've missed your point; I often do.
But you'll notice, I have somehow managed to fill this rather daunting rectangle.