Near the Sun

Be careful, my son

Do not stray too near the sun

Else you may fall and rise no more.

A shake of the head, a smile.

Do not worry, my father

Icarus shall bear me high on sturdy wings

You need fear nothing. 

A flash, the clamor of voices.

The crowd awaits, young pilot

Come, dazzle them with your tremendous skill

Leave them breathless and waiting for more.

A click, the hum of an engine.

I am ready, dear people

With Icarus as my wings,

What shall I fear?

A roar, a surge of applause.

With graceful loops and

Daring dives, wrenching turns and

Delicate twirls,

Ever upwards did Icarus fly

A clank, then a shudder.

What is this, old friend?

My dear Icarus,will you betray me now?

Faster and faster fell Icarus,

For he had flown too near the sun.

Down...

     down...

          down...

A crash, then nothing.