Persephone in Winter

Far above Boreas howls,
The cold rain soaks through the ground where bulbs sleep,
And frost rimes the carpet of rusted leaves.
The beating of Gaia’s heart slows.

Up there the days are short and dark
But here the fire is bright, the furs warm.
Warmest of all are the arms of my lord
As they hold me tight underground.

There are no blossoms here below
But his kiss makes poppies bloom on my cheeks.
When he touches me, roses burst from stone
And Underworld is in flower.

When the slumbering soil warms,
I will rise to coax new leaves to unfurl
And bring forth the new and trembling buds
But now I rest by my love’s side.