Friday, September 27, 2013

Did Persephone?

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


12 comments:

Max said...

your words on spring are a wonderful start to the weekend. thanks Juliet x

Juliet said...

Thanks Max, and enjoy the weekend.

Hotly Spiced said...

I haven't heard the legend of Persephone for a long time. What beautiful words and I love your floral decoration xx

Juliet said...

Charlie, this story has been with me for a long time. Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.

Lynley said...

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.

Juliet said...

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!

Lynley said...

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!

Amanda Trought said...

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

Penny O'Neill said...

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.

Juliet said...

* 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!

Vicki Lane said...

Such a lovely poem! I've always liked the story of Persephone -- and I really love your interpretation.

Juliet said...

Thank you Vicki. The Persephone story has long been a favourite of mine too.