The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Ash Into Phoenix

Poet's Note:

Written for the Skeletons Poetry Contest. This dramatic monologue uses "skeleton of hope" as a metaphor for resilience that appears during grief.

             Ash Into Phoenix

You ask why I walk barefoot through this frozen forest?  
The broken road cuts me, and dancing fog swirls at my feet.  
Every step is heavy and cold.  

Demons of sorrow and despair circle me.  
I thought grief would bury me in the dark.  

Then the skeleton of hope rose from my chest.  
He wore a gown of silver, with stars on its glittering seams.  
He sat beside me, a golden staff in his hand.  
He took my hand and looked into my eyes.  

"Hardship burns your old soul," he said.  
"From the ash rises a phoenix of hope."  
"Grief is fire. Let it light your path."  
"In darkness, you can still glow."  

He smiled at me, at the person drowning in grief, and said:  
"Grief is not a punishment.  
It is the polish that strengthens your inner self."  

And then I stood, because he was right.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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Padhi Avatar
July 27, 2026 at 10:10 AM
"Soar high and rebuild cuz you are made of radium." The world might go dark, but you would still shine high and mighty!! Awesome penmanship!!
Sultan Avatar
July 27, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Aww thank you Neha! That radium line is going straight to my heart. Appreciate you!
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace