The Phoenix

Yes, the changes work! It flows so smoothly. I also noticed on the second read that in the second stanza, last line, you have "and" written out instead of "&". That's just me looking though, I do like the "&" in a poem because it's something different and something I don't always see. I would say consistency though, choose to write "and" out or stick with the "&". Also, last line, "it's" should be without the apostrophe.

I gotta say, since I rarely rhyme, it's really pleasant to come on here and see some pieces that rhyme with ease. I feel I always force it, but this feels natural so I'm glad I read this one and will read more of yours soon :)

A few suggestions, but simply my opinion, it's still your poem :)

Surrounded by trees in the shadowy place"
- For some reason, I felt like "this" sounds and reads better than "the". Also, not sure about "shadowy", maybe "shadowed"?

I wondered if you were wanting no punctuation, but I saw your comma in the third stanza and felt a few commas could be helpful. It didn't take me out of the poem technically, but for a better flow, maybe add some so it reads more natural - like first line and third line in the second stanza and second line in the third stanza for example.

Last line: I believe "it's" should be "its", no apostrophe.

Overall, I like this! It made me smile. I know the concept of the phoenix has been tackled before and inspired others in many poems but I've always resonated with it (especially since my first introduction to a phoenix was through Harry Potter). It really is an empowering piece, and I totally felt the atmosphere you created of the shadows in the forest and what they represented. Too often, we believe we are undeserving of peace and victory and all those things. Too often, we carry the burdens of shame and guilt when we deserve the freedom of a future.

Beautiful, Lainie <3