Morning Light [Persephone]©Marc Fishman. Link to website.
Persephone Rising
She pierces through the misty shades of dawn
A precious hope for weary limbs and minds
Freed from her keeper’s frightful darkened plain
To renew the flow of life that surely binds
Each mortal beating heart that seeks the day
Each common purpose to the mysteries
Our seeds forever drenched by heaven’s rays
Let earthly toil provide for us the keys
The blood-red fruit ingested by your hand
Gives passage to the shadows ‘neath the Earth
Your saving grace and dauntless sacrifice
Assures there is a cycle of re-birth
Break through, oh goddess, keep us in your gaze
Release us from the grips of Hades’ reign
That chills our spirits and forecasts demise
And steals you from your natural domain
Your gracious mother waits to feel your breath
To hold you in her willing, loving arms
Demeter's suppliants do now rejoice
Prodigal daughter, bless our homes and farms
Eleusinian maiden, remain in morning’s light
Strip away the season’s abject drought
Dance with Aurora, happily and free
And celebrate each blossom, bud, and sprout
Persephone, please stay with us a while
Through mountains, lakes and fields mirthfully roam
Your golden warmth instills in us new heart
Reclaim your seat and scepter! You are home!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2013
A precious hope for weary limbs and minds
Freed from her keeper’s frightful darkened plain
To renew the flow of life that surely binds
Each mortal beating heart that seeks the day
Each common purpose to the mysteries
Our seeds forever drenched by heaven’s rays
Let earthly toil provide for us the keys
The blood-red fruit ingested by your hand
Gives passage to the shadows ‘neath the Earth
Your saving grace and dauntless sacrifice
Assures there is a cycle of re-birth
Break through, oh goddess, keep us in your gaze
Release us from the grips of Hades’ reign
That chills our spirits and forecasts demise
And steals you from your natural domain
Your gracious mother waits to feel your breath
To hold you in her willing, loving arms
Demeter's suppliants do now rejoice
Prodigal daughter, bless our homes and farms
Eleusinian maiden, remain in morning’s light
Strip away the season’s abject drought
Dance with Aurora, happily and free
And celebrate each blossom, bud, and sprout
Persephone, please stay with us a while
Through mountains, lakes and fields mirthfully roam
Your golden warmth instills in us new heart
Reclaim your seat and scepter! You are home!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2013
Persephone by Dante Gabriel Rossetti [1828-1882]
|
"The Rape of Prosperina" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini [c. 1621]. [Hades=Pluto, Persephone=Prosperina]
|
The Return of Persephone (Attic Red Figure Vase, Greek Classical Period)