As I emerge from my dark descent, my thoughts have turned to the myth of Persephone and her return from the underworld.
Today at last the weather cleared for a moment, and I could welcome Persephone back by creating a sand sculpture on the beach. A poem arrived as well, so I am giving you both, in celebration of spring. May it be full of freshness for you!
Did Persephone?
I don't think
it was
longing
for her mother
that drew Persephone
back
to the earth's surface,
for despite
Demeter's warnings,
she let Hades slip
pomegranate seeds
one by one
between her luscious lips.
No,
it must have been
longing
to cavort
in innocence
once more
among the daffodils
and lilies,
to undo the dark taste
of death,
renounce wisdom,
and sing
like a maiden
again
in the freshness
of spring.
©Juliet Batten
©Juliet Batten
12 comments:
your words on spring are a wonderful start to the weekend. thanks Juliet x
Thanks Max, and enjoy the weekend.
I haven't heard the legend of Persephone for a long time. What beautiful words and I love your floral decoration xx
Charlie, this story has been with me for a long time. Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
The weather has been so very fickle Juliet, rather like the viruses that have caused us bother.
I particularly like the flowers you have used.
Can you tell me the names of them please?
I am looking forward to more freshness to rejuvenate.
Lynley, the white flowers come from an Indian Hawthorne, a little shrub that lines our driveway. (I had to search for this name as I'm not as adept with plant names as you are) The tiny red flowers are native karo. Yes, more freshness plus sunshine would be good!
Thanks for the plant names Juliet- the Indian Hawthorne is a new one for me. I did have to peer at it thinking it might be daphne but it is a little late for that lovely flower.
Plenty of sunshine would be a tonic for us all!
Juliet, it was great to read your poem, thanks for sharing. I love the flowers, its so nice to have them in bloom this time of the year. Looking forward to reading more! Have a blessed weekend. Amanda
This is so lovely, Juliet; your wreath of sand and flowers, your poetry, which is blossoming as much as spring is these days, much to my delight. Thank you.
* Lynley, it's definitely not daphne, though it's very similar. I had to ask someone to get the name as it had me puzzled too.
* Amanda, thanks for visiting. Our poems are flying across the world to each other, and I'm enjoying that.
* Penny, creativity is blossoming once more, and that's such a good feeling.
Lynley, Amanda and Penny, thank for your comments, I do appreciate them!
Such a lovely poem! I've always liked the story of Persephone -- and I really love your interpretation.
Thank you Vicki. The Persephone story has long been a favourite of mine too.
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