Adonis and Persephone
by Siberia

Note: Inna Valin's painting "Persephone's Autumn" led me to this mythological landscape.

I walked the fields as the maiden of spring
Waking the flowers from winter's slumber
When Aphrodite placed you in my care
"Keep this treasure safe until my return—
But do not look at it!" she commanded
Ere the swans flew her to Mount Olympus
Vanishing as quickly as she appeared

Heeding only my curiosity
I lifted the lid of the golden box
And was met by exotic, hazel eyes
Encased in midnight hair and chestnut skin—
A figure even the gods would envy!
While I stood in awe, deathless yet breathless
I understood her wish for secrecy
For who could resist such a gorgeous youth
Overflowing with vigour and passion?

A sultry summer followed the fresh winds
As lust fueled four months of sensual bliss
Our bodies, grinding like tectonic plates
Smoldered 'neath the heat of the zenith sun
While we rested by a cool stream or shade
You sought the laughter of my childish heart
Aching to discover its every note
I spoiled you with the earth's bountiful gifts
Just to see a smile on your spicy lips
Which sung praises of my sparkling beauty—
Never had I tasted such ecstasy!

But soon the air grew cold with autumn's chill
Calling me to return to my duties
I shed the girlish garland from my head
To don the heavy crown of royalty
With a grim sigh, I led you to my throne
Carved in the bowels of the Underworld
And inside my morbid palace of doom
You distanced yourself from my affections
For you were sweet Life blossoming with hope
Choked by bitter Death wilting in despair

As if sensing your longing to be free
Aphrodite arrived at Hades' gates
To reclaim the bright gem of mortal men
Without a second thought, you fled from me
Abandoning the constraints of my court
For nature's liberating wilderness
Revitalized by the seductress' charms
Our time together was soon forgotten

Teary-eyed, I watched you both from below
While I mourned on my high seat of sorrow
To my rival, you pledged eternal love
(Though not as strong as your love of the hunt)
There in her embrace, you would still remain
If it were not for the jealous Ares
Masquerading as a murderous boar
All loathe his ways, yet I must give him thanks—
Only the steep price of his wounded pride
Would lure you to my queenly feet once more

Fair Adonis, you are mine forever
Within the cavernous realm of the Dead
Your lover's wails screech across the three worlds
Yet there is no rejoicing in my halls
For my prize is an intangible shade
Of the beautiful boy I once adored
Its form as hollow as my victory
Blood now stains the crimson anemones
Where your corpse lies strewn on the forest floor—
The best of you blooming solely for her