Phoenix

by Heather Carnaghan

I wish I believed in genies,
in fairy godmothers
and Jesus.

What a beautifully comforting thought
it would be
to picture you
warm, eyes glistening,
cooing in the laps of angels
and rising
from your ash,
a gold feathered phoenix.

I don’t need three wishes
or a thousand prayers of intercession.
I have only one desire
that matters
and no spirit can grant it.