Phoenix Rising

A mysterious chamber lies hidden deep within; Where fire breathing beasts skirmish, wreaking chaos, And basilisks slither in a cesspool of mass confusion. Facing the creatures of darkness is a daunting endeavor: Neither easy nor comfortable, Yet must be entered freely without fear. To conquer them, I must realize The horrors lurking are shadows of myself. What's worse-I'm addicted to them! I have lived my life with them: Collecting, integrating, twisting as I grow, They are all I know-my hardened habits. As I explore and expose them, I progress their putrefaction: They wilt and rot, reduced to primal sludge. In the cage of self deception, awareness is the key. A crust of blooming mushrooms glows white, Thriving on top of the black filth, feeding. This is the sustenance of illumination and self discovery- The transformation of darkness is the path to creation of light. As seasons revolve-there is no spring without first winter, So is there no enlightenment without the exposure and destruction of ignorance- Continuous transmutation: I am my own Magnum Opus. Until only my pure essence remains, I choose what defines me: my choices define me. Just as the phoenix ignites and is reborn from its own ashes: Simultaneous self-destruction and recreation, Proving immortality, obtaining ultimate wealth. I shall pluck the golden snitch from Mercury's staff.