Wow, yes prune there are bits that you could. This is wonderful I found it full of character and a joy to read and very clever. Don't pass up the opportunity to make this a star poem.

Double post sorry

I am Phoenix, I rise from the dead
Over and over I have stood my stead
I let you thrive, Respect I drive
From youngling, to teenager
To adult hood I spring
When I get emotional I cry a few tears
showing my grace in form of rain
Disrespect me I quake
Then like a warrior I come full force
Earthquake, tsunami, tornadoes
My love grows for whom I care
And get a little cosy with my sunny friend out there
It feels like summer but it’s my warm friendship
Everything is flourishing, until
I am tired and old, many stories untold
Walked many a mile now slumber behold
The sun is fading the warmth with it
I start to shiver It’s Autumn they say
I worked and am tired
can’t keep my eyes open, I must hibernate
Stay indoors it’s icy out there
Come lay in my arms
In wait of my loving friend
Can you guess. Who am I?
If the sun is my friend

i just took a couple of lines away and put some lines together i hope this helps you on your way... please feel free to pass it by of course,

Dear lovedly, highly attractive poem about Phoenix rising from the ashes. I think Terry has given you some good ideas. I would add one or two more, so shall return to see whether you've changed anything.
A pleasure to read you.

the plants/trees? Just a little bit of mystery here. Yes, by all means, trim this a bit. Even if you don't enter it in the contest.
It makes good reading and maybe someone will guess who the mystery guest is. ~ Gee.
.

Just wanted to drop by and say this is gorgeous

It's the first time I ever won anything, I guess I was lucky as your poem was just as wonderful.