For the one who lived

Look at the low light through leafless oaks.
Read the trees to know the time of year.
Persephone’s descent is complete.
Her mother mourns.

Distraught Demeter
the ambulance speeds toward her,
skimming the wet highway.
Its cargo
The wounded one
who stood in the winter road
blinded by oncoming lights.

Persephone's sister
in the cold sarcophagus
driven back to her mother
out of season
bearing a message
and a lifetime.

November, l996