Persephone Speaks

I fear this patriarchal myth;  
Eve charmed Adam with a fig, 
A pomegranate won me captivity.
She and I sought only fruit, and flow, 
instead found pain. 
 
No serpent stirred me with clever tongue, 
simple curiosity and hunger compelled me, 
which seemed no travesty, 	
but as women, it was, they told us. 
 
I tasted love, 
I found it in the Abyss. 

Eve savored knowledge,  
her survival became a living hell. 
Eve's daughters 
ever to be cursed as the bringers of doom. 
Yet craft autonomy was their deed. 
 
Hades is my sphere now, 
for in  winter,  
I am queen. 
Revered by all.
Power I have, not prison. 
 
Unfortunate Eve is helpmeet 
and bid aspire to no more. 
I pray  
she will turn controversy to advantage, 
as I have. 
 
Grant she not be deemed evil for this act, 
But rise and know the truth herself if she is. 
That woman is shining!

by Zaratyst, 1988