He rises–
filled with wonder,
on wax wings he flies
high and higher
closer to the flaming fire
spurred towards the sun
(heart’s desire)
too late, stunned,
aware of his blunder
he cries–
no longer inspired–
“Father, forgive me.”
and falls to the sea
Peter Paul Rubens [Public domain], “Fall of Icarus,” via Wikimedia Commons
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Oh, glorious! The rise and fall…
Thank you, Sarah! I’m a bit obsessed with this story. 🙂
Nice..✍️🖤
Thank you!
Just like the Roman Empire
Yes, thank you, Derrick. 😉
The hubris with such consequences… great take on fire.
The hubris of youth. Thank you, Björn.
Sigh… just like the Roman Empire.
Yes. . . thank you.
YES. I LOVE the story of Icarus, and the rhythm and internal rhyme of this are just perfection.
Thank you very much, De! 🙂
Ah youth…coated with Teflon and bulletproof…
Yes. . . why it’s usually young men sent to fight, I suppose. . .
The human nature in this story comes to life in your poem Merril 🙂
Thank you so much, Janice! 🙂
Sometimes what one desires can be one’s downfall.
Yes, exactly, Frank. Thank you.
What a great take on Icarus. It kinda transcends different eras, and is timeless.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Another of those recurrent metaphors that haunt our dreams until we release.
Yes, so true. Thank you, Ben.
And … Release … (Deep out breath.)
🙂
He wanted so much. Too much… A good reminder for us all.
Yes–thank you, Margaret Elizabeth.
It is youth in their impulsive nature which shakes my fears out, Merril!
I like the mythology reference along with the way you expressed this.
Hearing of young women not being careful in abandoned parking garages or park paths especially make me worry recently.
Thank you, Robin. I really like the Icarus myth.
It is a very unique concept for those mythology writers of long, long ago. I could not imagine flying so close to the sun back then, close enough for the wings wax to melt. Incredible!