The Firebird

In music class the story forms a world of notes
the children listen
in their seats, a herd
of spotted fauns pausing in the forest
hanging from the tree
is the metal fruit, a weathered cage
that contains a golden bird

it sings

and everyone becomes aware that they are made of three
and in unending transformation

they dance until they die
of exhaustion
a death that breaks enchantment
but what is life without enchantment

the dance that is infernal is the most divine