Pomegranate

She waited alone in darkness for her king
In Hades, where Day’s fiery chariot dare not tread
Sky eyes shining, flaxen hair brushed to burnished gold
Anticipation pounding, deathly quiet, in her ears
She perched tranquil at the edge of her lonely throne.

Elsewhere, sullen Demeter mourned
Love’s imprisonment behind the gates of Hell.

Lover’s bleak silhouette emerged, soundless
From the shadows of the underworld
Pushing back encroaching oblivion, she rose,
Flying to him on echoless winged feet-
Stopping deliberate advance across wide, empty floor.

Tender, he caught her, one arm around her narrow frame,
Inclining noble head to touch his nose to hers,
Muted love words murmured mind to mind.

He brought his other hand to her attention, then
Revealing half a crimson fruit
Cradled between long, thin fingers.

She took it from him, smiling softly
While he pried the seeds from the spongy flesh,
And he raised the tiny rubies to her parted lips.