Flash Fiction: The Phoenix

Bird, 2020 © Lindsey Kennedy

Written by Demetra Nikolakakis

Despite our immortality, life as a phoenix was hard. Misunderstood by humans, we disguised ourselves as mortal birds, often cardinals or finches – smaller bodies evaded notice. We witnessed wars, the destruction of habitats, the fading of lives.

Yet immortality afforded quiet optimism. With each reincarnation, the little things renewed hope for the future – mothers caring for their young, couples growing old, children laughing. They reminded us that happiness could be found anywhere.

Still, this life had been hard and I had grown weary. Time for rebirth. Landing on scarlet cloth, I closed my eyes. There was much beauty to anticipate in the years to come.