Dancing in the Fire

I had no more alphabet that the swallows in their courses,
the tiny, shining water
of the small bird on fire
which dances out of the pollen 
- Pablo Neruda

The legend of the Phoenix appears in several cultures. The basic idea involves a supernatural creature living for 1000 years. At that time, it builds a funeral pyre and throws itself into the flames  As it dies, rebirth occurs to live for another 1000 years. Another version involves the bird laying an egg in the burning coals. When the egg hatches the life cycle repeats.

Theories abound concerning the Phoenix. One involves a colorful bird of wild powers, captured in Asia and sold in another land. Possibly the claims about the bird's powers increased the price. Maybe a peacock, back lit by the setting sun, led someone to believe the bird flew into fire.  Did a hummingbird rise from its nest, its feathers reflecting sunlight?

One theory about the origins of the legend involves a raven dancing in a dying fire.  Ravens will sit over a hot surface such as the dying embers of a fire.  They spread out their wings like we might do in a sauna to enjoy the heat. Or they use the heat to encourage feather mites to find a different home. The sudden resurgence of flames around it causes the bird to take off. There's the bird rising from the flames. 

Ravens and crows also practice a form of behavior called "anting."  A bird will disturb an ant's nest, spread out its wings and allow ants to run up and down its body. The ants give the bird a massage as they eat feather mites which live on the bird and cause irritation. 

Once someone sees a bird in these situations, stories abound.  

Feel the amazement of wings.