Persephone

I want to kiss your lips to stave off

the underworld,

to remain here on lush green earth.

I am tired of long journeys and dark tunnel

visions of men who want to possess me.

I am tired of death.

Your mouth is like fruit, like seeds,

like something growing, like pomegranates

split open, juicy, luscious-but Love,

even you are a slide towards the abyss,

even you lead me to lands

where nothing blooms.