A bird of fire and air

As the sun went down, the old bird flew into the fire. During the evening, we could see glimpses of a golden egg, nestled by the flames. And, as the church clock chimed midnight, the egg cracked and the young bird emerged. It stood a moment, the firelight reflected in its eyes and then launched itself into the air and rose with the sparks and embers, spiralling into the sky.

The Phoenix. Symbol of rebirth and renewal but, unaccountably, not of punctuality.