The nightmare of Persephone
There, where pennyroyal and wild mint grew
and earth sprouted her first cyclamen
now peasants bargain for cement
and birds drop dead in the furnace.
Sleep, Persephone
in earth's embrace
to this world's balcony
Come out no more.
There, where mystics joined hands
reverently on entering the sacrificial site
now tourists throw tab ends
and gaze at the new oil refinery.
Sleep, Persephone
in earth's embrace
to this world's balcony
Come out no more.
There, where sea was blessed
and bleating in the fields was a prayer
now trucks carry to the shipyards
empty bodies, children of scrap metal and plating.
Sleep, Persephone
in earth's embrace
to this world's balcony
Come out no more.
