There can only be one firebird. For a new Phoenix to be born, the old must die. How, I wonder, does the firebird feel about this sacrifice?

Theatricality aside, this was supposed to be a Mother's Day gift, but I paint slower than anyone else in the known universe. So, here it is, Matim!...four months late...ahem.

There's a poem that goes along with this painting, and I present it here:

"Little firebird, dream within your shell
Do you know your beginning is my end?
I feel your heartbeat in my blood; I fade as it grows strong
My fire must be yours, if you are to live
So be it—I give it freely

Your flame will rise from the ashes
My pyre to be your cradle; my last song your lullaby
This life is for you, sleeping egg
Wake at last from dreaming

Fly high, little Phoenix
Spread your wings and burn bright
Light the world in my place

In my sleep, I hear you laugh
It is the sound of life

And I am glad."

So that's it, I guess. Photoshop Elements 2.0, Wacom Graphire 3, 4-5 days (when I was actually working on it)