Notes About The Poem

Icarus Ignited Am I

they warned me
against extremes
intensity must not be indulged
"Flying in between
is your safety scene
not too high
not too low
don't look too longingly below
don't fly too close
to the sea of his splendor
the blue green of his eyes
hypnotize, mesmerize
desire will dampen your wings
weighing you down
nor must you fly
too close to his passion
blazing bountiful in brilliance
his sensuality, a searing sun
will melt your wings; you'll come undone."

I should have listened
I should have known
Icarus ignited was I
My hubris lifted my higher
nothing seemed dire
overconfident in my ability
to fly away if need be...

your sensuality seduced me
drew me closer and closer
solar combustion on display
you would have your way
rays of radiant heat
in wave upon wave
emanated towards me
doused in desire
you set on fire
melting 
            melting
      melting
burning turning twisting 
writhing rigorously
pain and pleasure
came upon waves together
spiraling me out of control
seared straight to my soul
I fell

Oh, how I fell
from the apex into the swell
of the blue green sea of your eyes
sizzling fire subsiding
subsiding
awash in wetness 
about to die
you hear me cry:

"I would do it again
and again
       and again
  today and any day
molten passion in my core
consuming, always wanting more
      I know
you'd have me fly
again...
Icarus ignited
right up to your sky."

Eileen Manassian

"In Greek mythology, Icarus  is the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the creator of the Labyrinth. Often depicted in art, Icarus and his father attempt to escape from Crete by means of wings that his father constructed from feathers and wax. Icarus' father warns him first of complacency and then of hubris, asking that he fly neither too low nor too high, so the sea's dampness would not clog his wings or the sun's heat melt them. Icarus ignored his father's instructions not to fly too close to the sun, when the wax in his wings melted and he fell into the sea." Wikipedia
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Callus Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 3:42 PM
Despite all warnings it is hard to resist the attraction of love and passion. Temptation is like a magnet and very often it is hard to escape its pull, even if eventually we have to suffer its consequences. This is such a lovely poem, Eileen; it deserves reading more than once. Hugs // paul
Wigley Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 1:29 AM
Desire is the flame to these fragile moths we call our hearts, Eileen. A terrific write, love it. Viv x
Breidenthal Avatar
November 4, 2016 at 3:36 PM
I absolutely love the story of Icarus, and this poem is superb, Eileen. Well done!!! You've made this very well your own, in your passionate, longing way. I love the "melting melting" stanza...it is so intense. My favorite line: "from the apex into the swell of the blue green sea of your eyes" That is so brilliant. Adding to my favorites. : D Always, Laura
Lamoureux Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 7:28 PM
You certainly brought the heat with this one Eileen. Ooh la la all the way!!! I am a fan of Greek Mythology.
Turner Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 9:43 AM
The heat of passion, hot enough to melt anyone's imagination, Eileen. Feel the burn!
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 11:51 AM
I do....I feel the burn always. Thanks for this lovely visit, Daniel. Hugs
Wolf Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 5:46 AM
Another great poem Eileen. Wonderful!
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 11:52 AM
Thank you, Rick. Much appreciated.
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 1:04 AM
Eileen, wow...this is a stunner! You have conveyed the depth of love's passion by using the plight of Icarus. I loved it! 7 ; )
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 3:16 AM
Thanks, dear Connie. So kind of you to visit me today. Hope all is well. That seven from you is much appreciated, dear. Hugs
Chircop Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 11:34 PM
I so love Icarus legend...but mostly love how it inspired you to write such a wonderful poem.Dear Eileen. To be consumed by passionate flames...and anybody would dare.risk it again...Awesome.
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 3:18 AM
Thanks, my sweet sister. I've always loved the story as well. We sometimes long to escape, as did Icarus....only to find...the intensity too much to handle. Love having you visit, dear. Hugs
Y. Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:50 PM
Hi Eileen, I agree with Arthur, you have crafted a good poem from Greek Mythology. Well done. I enjoyed the read:-) Alexis
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 3:21 AM
Thanks, dear. I love having you visit me. Hugs. Will be by to visit you soon.
Vaso Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 8:34 PM
Its funny because today I was reading poems of Sopphos!
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 3:25 AM
What a coincidence!!! Strange....
Vaso Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 8:34 PM
Oh what a poem you have weaved from this ancient lore, loved it! :)
Manassian Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 3:25 AM
:) I'm so pleased that you loved it, dear... :)
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