No, it wasn’t just a single time
That was merely the final one
Of all the attempts in his climb
Gravity proved strictly done
On his skin, the heat he wished to feel
And Victory to him wished to show
That if an altar to oneself one would reveal
Many others could be inspired to grow
He didn’t give up, launched forth, insisted
On a journey that seemed selfish to the eye
In truth, for everyone he persisted
Even when fatigue made him suffer and sigh
Yes, it wasn’t for himself that he flew
It was empathy that led him away
Nor was it the Sun that overthrew
But only that the ground came to stay
Hephaestus took from the fire
Proteus dried up the seas
From the wings, the bond did expire
And Icarus’ Dream ceased to be.