The golden star–brighter than any other visible in this galaxy.

With moonbeams echoing, the sun was no legend or fallacy.

 

Its elegant rays stretched to the very ends of the earth.

Streaks of red, orange, and yellow proclaimed its worth.

 

Older than the earth, its knowledge was infinite.

Secrets of the universe lured Icarus to become intimate.

 

The sun blazed, and the heat was screaming.

Icarus had never found something so tempting.

 

For he had loved the sun as Fester would the moon.

He studied it, sang to it, and started to swoon.

 

For treading above roaring waters was not enough.

Icarus believed he could come close; he was tough.

 

He devised a scheme; his father was not an accomplice, just a man.

Not knowing his son’s intentions, Icarus kept secret his plan.

 

However, the secrets hurt Icarus deep.

It was only in silence that he’d weep.

 

For he knew the risks at hand but had to follow his heart.

He actually was aware that this was not very smart.

 

His burning desire to put his bold, fiery dreams into action,

Cast aside loved one's worries, his dreams a distraction.

 

So, father and son put together a grand and majestic flying machine.

Meant to help Icarus escape to freedom, nothing else in between.

 

The day came, and the sun was ready to be explored.

Icarus flew higher and higher until he soared.

 

He cried out tears of joy, learning what it felt like to be alive.

This was it, this moment of ecstasy was what it was like to thrive.

 

Many may have made fun of Icarus but would never know his bliss.

For it is easier to look down upon others' mistakes than to dismiss.

 

And yes, this was a chaotic mess, Icarus realized--

However, he was still grateful to his surprise.

 

For to experience a love and freedom so vast,

Was intriguing and beguiling, but it would not last.

 

This beautiful world is made of pain, not perfection.

For us to learn from mistakes, grow, and make connections.

 

And Icarus did learn a lot on that day.

No matter what the townspeople would say.

 

He learned that for those brief seconds in time, all was well.

That was until he fell.

 

Laughing and crying as he fell, Icarus realized it was all temporary.

Despite his attachment, there was more to life, and pain was necessary.

 

He thought of all the people he had hurt and was going to hurt.

Alas, there was no time to change things and revert.

 

The damage was done, and he was soon presumed dead.

Family and friends of Icarus were filled with dread.

 

However, just as they had thought the sun had won,

Icarus hid ashamed in ashes, but together as one.

 

Originally driven mad and insane, Icarus acted out.

He grieved his former and future life, full of doubt.

 

How could such an intoxicating joy be ripped away?

What was out there for a reason to stay?

 

Though many of his relationships would not be the same,

He learned, grew, and coped with his shame.

 

Icarus learned gratitude for forgiveness and new chances.

Though he knew not everyone understood his circumstances.

 

Yet he knew he could change, and he would grow.

Even if it would take many years and go by slow.

 

To this day, they say Icarus still smiles under the sun,

For he now enjoys it differently on land and doesn’t fly but runs.