Ascent

Heaven flutters serenely, displacing the raven's wings inside
A tumult of thoughts rises to the surface, devouring
Gold radiance floods me, the extended alchemy continues
What was  pitch is smelted
Prostrate I watch from beyond, with an ear-splitting crack my jaw distends, black clawed wings emerge and hold my mouth contorted at an impossible angle. I watch as my eyes roll back in their sockets as the other pulls itself from my body, growing as it rises to meet my gaze.
I lock eyes with the shadow within,  and stare into unflinching orbs that regard me with curiosity.
The shadow-bird-man floats closer, and tilts it's head, beak clicking in a steady rhythm.
Light fades, my peripheral vision watches the majestic wings curl around my back and hook into me, painlessly.
Sighing, waves of relief leak from my perforated back, staining the claws crimson. It rears it's head back, and with a Word springs forward and it's beak pushes through my temple, and once more I see all my past before me in an instant, and the manifested vision flows twisting through me, following it's proboscis.
Nestled comfortably within, the shadow realigns itself behind me, and my wings shelter me once more.
Aligned, the shadow waits patiently, focused. My wounds heal, past misery forgotten. An old journey continues.